The Florida Panthers, fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup victories including a win against Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers, have solidified their roster by extending contracts with veteran forward Brad Marchand and longtime defenseman Aaron Ekblad. These deals aim to maintain the team’s championship momentum as both players expressed strong desires to remain with the Panthers moving forward.
Ekblad, a cornerstone defenseman drafted first overall by Florida in 2014, has spent his entire NHL career with the Panthers. In the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound defender contributed 33 points across 56 games. Alongside Marchand and Sam Bennett, Ekblad represents a core group focused on continuing the franchise’s recent success.
Shared Goals and Team Camaraderie Fuel Contract Decisions
In an interview with DJ Siddiqi of RG Media, Aaron Ekblad discussed why extending with the Panthers was important for his career and highlighted the parallels between his mindset and Marchand’s. Both players are committed to competing at the highest level for as long as possible, a mindset that aligns with the team’s drive for ongoing success.
Obviously, you want to play for a winner,
Ekblad said.
Hopefully, they don’t get tired of me. I heard Marchand say it in an interview the other day, that they’re going to have to kick him out of the league, and they’ll be having to do the same thing with me.
—Aaron Ekblad, Defenseman
Off the ice, their bond extends beyond hockey. Ekblad noted the close relationship among players and their families, creating a “home where the heart is” atmosphere within the team.
Even our wives all love each other,
Ekblad shared.
Guys are having kids, we’re going to grow up together, and their kids are going to grow up together and hopefully my kids one day. It’s a family aspect. It’s home where the heart is type of thing.
—Aaron Ekblad, Defenseman
A place is only as good as the people in it, and we have great people.
—Aaron Ekblad, Defenseman
Potential Free Agency Departure Averted for Ekblad
Despite the mutual desire for continued success, there was a chance Ekblad might have left the Panthers for a more lucrative deal elsewhere. James Mirtle of The Athletic reported that the Detroit Red Wings, seeking to strengthen their roster, had prepared to offer Ekblad a significantly higher average annual salary than the $6.1 million he accepted with Florida. Had Ekblad signed in Michigan, the Panthers would have lost a critical piece of their defense.
With Ekblad remaining in Florida, the Red Wings instead focused on acquiring defensive support through signings like Travis Hamonic and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Ekblad’s commitment to the Panthers ensured stability and experience on the blue line for Florida.
Ekblad’s Presence Influenced Marchand’s Decision to Stay
Brad Marchand identified the return of both Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett as pivotal reasons for his own contract extension. In a discussion with DJ Siddiqi, Marchand emphasized how the strong relationships with his Panthers teammates played a major role in his choice to remain with the organization.
Bennett and E (Ekblad) coming back were huge factors in me staying,
Marchand said.
Those guys are awesome, guys that I really vibe with well, and I really wanted to stay there.
—Brad Marchand, Forward
I want to play as long as I possibly can.
—Brad Marchand, Forward
The depth of these friendships off the ice translates to better chemistry during games and helps maintain the winning culture that brought the Panthers consecutive Stanley Cup titles.
Continuing the Panthers’ Winning Legacy
The Panthers’ ability to retain key players like Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad reflects the organization’s commitment to sustained excellence in the NHL. Both athletes bring not only high-level skill but also a dedication to team unity and longevity. Their contracts offer reassurance to fans and the organization that Florida plans to remain a formidable force in upcoming seasons.
As the Panthers prepare to defend their championship, the combined leadership and experience of Marchand, Ekblad, and Bennett will be essential in navigating the challenges ahead.