Florida Panthers Lock in Star Defenseman Aaron Ekblad with Exciting Eight-Year Contract Extension!

SUNRISE, Fla. – Bill Zito, the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the Florida Panthers, announced a significant move today. The team has secured defenseman Aaron Ekblad with an eight-year contract extension, keeping him in South Florida until the 2032-33 season.

Zito praised Ekblad, calling him a key player on defense. “He excels at both ends of the ice and has been one of the top defensemen in the NHL for nearly a decade,” Zito said. Ekblad’s contributions have been vital to the team’s success, including two Stanley Cup Championships. “We’re delighted that he will continue to be a part of our organization,” he added.

At 29 years old, Ekblad had a standout year in the 2024-25 season. He played 56 regular-season games, leading the defensive squad with 30 assists and 33 points. He also had an impressive average of 23:31 minutes on the ice per game and delivered 90 hits, ranking third among Panthers defenders.

During the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Ekblad shined even brighter. He set a personal record with 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 19 games, contributing significantly to Florida’s second-straight championship win. In the second round against Toronto, his five points led all Panthers defensemen.

Ekblad, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, has played in 732 regular-season games for the Panthers. This makes him the player with the second-most games in club history. His achievements include being the franchise leader in goals, assists, points, and several other categories for defensemen.

He has been named an NHL All-Star twice and has earned multiple gold medals for Canada in international tournaments. His journey began when he was selected first overall in the 2014 NHL Draft after a stellar season in junior hockey. That season, he also won the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.

According to recent statistics, the Panthers have become a force in the league, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025. This achievement has made them one of the most talked-about teams on social media, generating excitement among their fanbase, especially with the upcoming 2025-26 season.

As the Panthers look to build on their recent success, they remain a team to watch. For greater insights into the evolving landscape of the NHL, you can check the official NHL website for updates.

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