The Florida Panthers are working hard to keep the band together. It certainly makes sense, considering the Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions. With free agency just hours away, opening at noon on July 1, the Panthers have been working to retain its two biggest free agents: forward Brad Marchand and defenseman Aaron Ekblad. According to multiple reports, it sounds like the Panthers are half way home. Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Florida and Ekblad are coming to terms on a new, long-term deal that will keep the high-end defenseman with the Panthers for the foreseeable future. Ekblad was selected first overall by Florida at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He has played every minute of his NHL career with the Panthers, helping the franchise rise from one mired in mediocrity to the powerhouse they are today. Now the question will be how much Ekblad signs for, and if it leaves enough under the cap for the Panthers to go after Marchand as well. Friedman is reporting that the deal comes with an AAV in the $6.1 million range. That would give Florida around $5 to work with for Marchand and others. Could a trade be in the works? There is a lot that can happen in the coming hours. Stay tuned. UPDATE: Pierre LeBrun is reporting that the deal is for eight years and carries a $6.1 million AAV. It's quite the deal that Ekblad is taking to remain in South Florida for the rest of his career. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA NHL Rumors: Insider Names 3 Suitors For Brad Marchand [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/nhl-rumors-insider-names-3-suitors-for-brad-marchand] Stanley Cup heading to Montreal, will soon have names of 2024-25 Florida Panthers engraved onto it [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/stanley-cup-heading-to-montreal-will-soon-have-names-of-2024-25-florida-panthers-engraved-onto-it] NHL Rumors: 3 Teams Who Could Target Panthers' Nate Schmidt [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/nhl-rumors-3-teams-who-could-target-panthers-nate-schmidt] Florida Panthers announce 2025 Development Camp roster, schedule [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/florida-panthers-announce-2025-development-camp-roster-schedule] NHL Rumors: Bruins & Maple Leafs Linked To Panthers Star [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/nhl-rumors-bruins-maple-leafs-linked-to-panthers-star] Photo caption: Mar 3, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) moves the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
