Panthers Aaron Ekblad, Top Free Agents Discuss Contract Extensions

Aaron Ekblad, a key defenseman for the Florida Panthers and their 2014 first overall draft pick, is in ongoing contract extension talks with the team but no deal has been finalized yet. Ekblad, who has spent his entire 11-year NHL career with the Panthers and played a crucial role in their second consecutive Stanley Cup win, expressed a strong desire to remain in Florida, calling it home. Despite a 20-game suspension this season for a performance-enhancing drug policy violation, Ekblad returned to contribute significantly in the playoffs, recording 13 points in 19 games. The Panthers have about $19 million in salary cap space and face the challenge of re-signing several unrestricted free agents, including Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand. Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and Marchand also want to stay, but Marchand seems the least likely to return. The Panthers have become a premier NHL destination, combining competitive success with an attractive lifestyle, which continues to appeal to their core players.