The 29-year-old defenceman is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, but has made it extremely apparent that he hopes to remain with the only team he’s ever played for.
“I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers. I bleed for the Florida Panthers. I’ve given my body and everything to this team. I want to keep doing it forever, for as long as they’ll let me keep coming to the rink,” Ekblad said at Tuesday’s Stanley Cup Final media availability, per team reporter Jameson Olive.
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Ekblad was drafted No. 1 overall by the Panthers in 2014. Since then, he’s played all 11 seasons in the Sunshine State. The Belle River, Ont. native had three goals and 30 assists for 33 points in the 2024-2025 regular season. During this year’s playoff run, Ekblad has contributed three goals and eight assists over 13 games.
The two-time All-Star’s eight-year, $60-million contract expires at the end of 2024-25.