Panthers' Aaron Ekblad expects to re-sign with Florida

Florida Panthers fans are going to want to hear this. Pending unrestricted free-agent defenceman Aaron Ekblad fully expects to get a deal completed with GM Bill Zito.

Ekblad, 29, would be one of the biggest names on the free-agent market this summer, however, it doesn't appear he'll be listening to offers from other teams. "Conversations have been had," Ekblad said, per team reporter Jameson Olive. "Obviously, nothing material yet, but they'll be working on it. Things seem to come down to the last minute here. I've spent 11 years here. ... It's home, and I expect it to be home."

Ekblad is coming off an eight-year, $60-million contract and is one of a few big names that Zito is going to try and re-sign. Brad Marchand seems the most unlikely of the three to return, that also includes Sam Bennett, who won a Conn Smythe, had a few beers, and made it clear he doesn't want to go anywhere either.

The Panthers have become the premiere team of the NHL, and destination for players who want to have a legit shot at winning the Stanley Cup every season. Sunny weather, lots of golf in their downtime, and a competitive team on the ice, it doesn't get much better.

Florida made Ekblad the first overall pick at the 2014 draft and he's lived up to the expectations of being a top pick. He's averaged more than 20 minutes per game, and has overcome some adversity, both on and off the ice. After being suspended for 20 games thanks to taking some wrong medication, Ekblad came to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, chipping in with 13 points in 19 games on route to the Cup.