Defenseman Aaron Ekblad has signed an eight-year contract extension worth $48.8 million to stay with the Florida Panthers. The deal averages $6.1 million annually.
Ekblad, 29, had a solid regular season with 33 points in 56 games and was instrumental in helping Florida win their second consecutive Stanley Cup title. He has been suspended for violating NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substance rules but bounced back to contribute to the team’s championship run.
Ekblad expressed his excitement about staying with one franchise for nearly two decades, saying it means a lot to him. The No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft, Ekblad is the second-most played player in Florida history and holds multiple franchise records among defensemen.
Source: https://www.nhl.com/news/aaron-ekblad-signs-eight-year-contract-to-remain-with-panthers