He stayed. Honestly, that’s the biggest story in Sunrise right now. When the clock struck midnight on the 2024-25 season, everyone expected a shake-up. You've got a guy who has been the face of the blueline since 2014, a former first-overall pick with two Stanley Cup rings, and a resume that screams "massive free agent payday." Instead, Aaron Ekblad did something that doesn’t happen much in the modern NHL. He took a haircut to stay home.
It's 2026. The Florida Panthers Aaron Ekblad partnership is officially entering its second decade, and it feels different. We aren't talking about the "kid" anymore. We’re talking about a grizzled veteran who recently skated in the first-ever outdoor game in Florida—the 2026 Winter Classic at LoanDepot Park—and basically told the world he never wanted to be anywhere else.
The Contract That Stunned the League
Let’s look at the numbers because they’re actually kind of wild. On July 1, 2025, Ekblad signed an eight-year extension. The AAV (average annual value) landed at $6.1 million.
Wait.
$6.1 million? For a top-pair defenseman who just helped anchor back-to-back championship runs?
In a world where mid-tier defenders are pulling $8 million or $9 million on the open market, Ekblad’s deal is a massive win for GM Bill Zito. He could have easily commanded way more. Teams with cap space—think Utah or Chicago—would have backed up the Brinks truck. But Ekblad was vocal about his intentions. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to finish what he started in South Florida.
🔗 Read more: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
By taking a lower cap hit, he allowed the Panthers to keep the "band" together. This is how they managed to keep Sam Bennett and even bring in veterans like Brad Marchand to chase a three-peat.
Beyond the Stats: The Heart and Soul of Sunrise
If you just look at the box scores from the early part of the 2025-26 season, you might think Ekblad is slowing down. He’s had some offensive slumps. Only five points in his first 20 games this year. His plus-minus took a temporary dip into the negatives.
But stats are liars.
If you watch the tape, Ekblad is still the guy Paul Maurice throws out there against the McDavids and MacKinnons of the world. He’s paired with Gustav Forsling, and together they are essentially a human vacuum cleaner on the ice. They suck the life out of opposing rushes.
- Longevity: He is the franchise leader for defensemen in games, goals, assists, and points.
- Leadership: He’s worn the "A" for what feels like forever.
- Durability (Finally): Despite a career plagued by scary injuries—remember that 2021 leg injury?—he’s been remarkably sturdy during these deep playoff runs.
"If there’s a soul to our team, he owns some of it," Zito said recently. That's not just GM-speak. It’s the truth of a guy who lived through the "dark years" of the franchise when the building was half-empty and the playoffs were a pipe dream.
💡 You might also like: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
The 20-Game Suspension and the "Truth Bomb"
It hasn't all been sunshine and parades, though. Last year was messy. Ekblad served a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.
He didn't hide. He didn't appeal.
He basically dropped a "truth bomb," admitting he took something to help recover from a nagging injury without checking with the training staff. It was a lapse in judgment that cost him nearly a quarter of the season.
Some fans were furious. Others were just worried it would derail the Cup defense. But he came back for the playoffs and was instrumental in the 2025 Finals against Edmonton. He played over 33 minutes in some of those games. 33 minutes! That’s half the game on the ice, carrying the weight of a repeat championship on a body that’s been through the ringer.
Why the Florida Panthers Aaron Ekblad Era Still Matters
So, what does the future look like?
📖 Related: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
Right now, the Panthers are in the thick of a playoff race again. Even with some roster turnover, the core remains. Ekblad’s new contract keeps him in Florida through 2033. By the time that deal ends, he’ll be 37 years old.
He’s already a legend in South Florida, but he’s chasing a legacy that goes beyond just being a "good player." He wants to be the guy who stayed. The guy who turned a "non-traditional market" into a hockey powerhouse.
He's often joked that the short summers—a byproduct of winning—are actually better for him. "You never get out of shape," he told reporters. It’s that kind of mindset that has turned the Panthers into a team that doesn’t just win; they outwork you until you break.
What to Watch for Next
If you’re following the Panthers this season, keep an eye on these specific things regarding No. 5:
- Power Play Usage: With Seth Jones now in the mix, Ekblad’s role on the top power-play unit has shifted. Watch how he adapts to being a secondary shooter rather than the primary point man.
- Ice Time Management: Paul Maurice is starting to shave a minute or two off Ekblad’s average TOI to keep him fresh for April.
- The Defensive Partnership: The chemistry with Forsling is the team's "get out of jail free" card. If they stay healthy, Florida is a threat to anyone.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Stop valuing him on points alone. His value is in the 5-on-5 "suppression" stats. When Ekblad is on the ice, the other team simply gets fewer high-danger chances.
- Cap management is the real MVP. Because Ekblad signed for $6.1M instead of $8M+, the Panthers have the flexibility to add at the 2026 trade deadline.
- Appreciate the loyalty. In an era of "player empowerment" and chasing the highest bidder, Ekblad’s commitment to the Panthers is a rare throwback to a different time in sports.
The Florida Panthers Aaron Ekblad story is far from over. He’s already won more than most players do in a lifetime, but sitting in the locker room after the Winter Classic, it was clear he’s still hungry. He’s not just collecting a paycheck; he’s building a permanent home in the rafters of Amerant Bank Arena.