Breaking News: Aaron Ekblad Takes Huge Hometown Discount to Re-Sign with Florida Panthers

In a stunning last-minute turn of events, pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who appeared to be the odd man out of the Florida Panthers three UFAs, is signing a new extension to stay with the Cats at a HUGE hometown discount.

All signs point to Aaron Ekblad and FLA making progress on a long-term deal that, assuming it’s finalized, would take the veteran defenceman out of free agency.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 30, 2025

TSN's Bob McKenzie dropped this bomb Monday afternoon, writing that "All signs point to Aaron Ekblad and FLA making progress on a long-term deal that, assuming it’s finalized, would take the veteran defenceman out of free agency."

How much of a discount did Aaron Ekblad take?

Elliotte Friedman then reported that the deal is indeed happening, and will come in at eight years with a $6.1 million AAV. AFP Analytics had the 29-year-old projected to land a 7-year deal with a $7.8 million cap hit, and it's possible he could have gotten even more.

Getting Ekblad at a $6.1M cap hit, even over 8 years, is quite the deal for Florida. Ekblad bent considerably to get this done.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 30, 2025

Ekblad just wrapped up an 8-year, $7.5 million AAV deal with the Panthers, and after their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, he made it clear his desire was to stay in South Florida. But it appeared that the Panthers wouldn't have the cap space to be able to make him an offer that would come close to what he could get on the open market.

But the allure of staying with the only team he's ever known in 11 NHL seasons, winning championships, and the no-tax benefits of Florida, left Ekblad to make a decision few other elite athletes do, choosing happiness and contentment over more money.

The 6-foot-4 D-man recorded 33 points in 56 games this past season with a +11 rating, then stepped it further in the playoffs, with 13 points in 19 games and a +10 rating.