Aaron Ekblad, the defenseman for the Florida Panthers, has announced he is nearing an eight-year contract extension with the team, to keep him through the 2032-33 season. Ekblad has been with the Panthers since being drafted first overall in 2014, making him a pivotal figure in the organization. Known for his leadership role on the blue line and impressive stats, his commitment to the team was evidenced by his emotional statement about wanting to be a 'Panther lifer'. His resolve has also contributed to the team's recent back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.
This team, I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers. I bleed for the Florida Panthers. I've given my body and everything to this team, and I want to keep doing it forever, for as long as they'll let me come to the rink.
Multiple reports surfaced Monday afternoon, the day before NHL free agency begins, that the Panthers and Ekblad are working toward a long-term extension, with SportsNet's Elliotte Friedman saying the deal will be for eight years with an average annual value just north of $6 million.
Ekblad has made it known that he wanted to be a Panther lifer. He has already been with them for 11 seasons ever since they took him No. 1 overall in the 2014 NHL Draft.
His perseverance and commitment paid off in the form of consecutive Stanley Cups the past two years.
Collection
[
|
...
]