Report: Panthers, Aleksander Barkov agree to eight-year, $80 million extension

Florida Panthers fans don't have to worry about seeing franchise center Aleksander Barkov going away anytime soon, as the two sides agreed to an eight-year, $80 million contract extension on Friday. Barkov was set to be an unrestricted free agent following the upcoming season.

The contract is expected to be officially announced Friday afternoon.

According to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, the majority of the contract consists of signing-bonus money and it represents "the largest contract in total dollars ever handed out by the Panthers." Wyshynski reports that Barkov's $10 million cap hit would be tied for the 10th highest in the NHL this season.

The 26-year-old native of Finland is currently under a six-year, $35.4 million contract.

During the 2018-2019 season, Barkov posted a career-high 35 goals and 96 points, while also earning the Lady Byng Trophy, which goes to the most gentlemanly player in the league. Barkov earned the Selke Trophy last season as the NHL's best defensive forward and currently has 465 points in 529 career games.