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Aaron Ekblad Signing Extension with Florida Panthers

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 3:32 PM ET

It sounds like Aaron Ekblad will stay with the Florida Panthers.

“Being told Aaron Ekblad is staying in Florida,” NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported.

TSN’s retired insider Bob McKenzie echoed similar sentiments.

“All signs point to Aaron Ekblad and FLA making progress on a long-term deal that, assuming it’s finalized, would take the veteran defenseman out of free agency,” he tweeted.

Terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, but it’s believed Ekblad took a reduced salary to stay in Florida, the only NHL team he has ever played for.

The Panthers were looking to get three big-ticket free agents signed. They’ve now taken care of two of them.

Sam Bennett signed an eight-year deal worth $8 million per season on June 27th. The Panthers are also hoping to get Brad Marchand to commit to an extension. There is talk he might test free agency, however.

More to come…

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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