NHL Insider: Aaron Ekblad Set to Extend Contract with Florida Panthers

Sports journalist **[Elliott Friedman](https://www.example.com/tags/26503-elliott-fridman/)** has reported that Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad is set to extend his contract with the team.

«I’ve been informed that Aaron Ekblad remains in Florida,» Friedman wrote on his social media account.

Earlier reports indicated that the Panthers were attempting to secure a deal with Ekblad valued between $6 to $7 million per year. However, the player is seeking a longer-term contract worth $8 million annually. Panthers general manager Bill Zito mentioned that he has a strategy for retaining both Ekblad and forward Brad Marchand. The 29-year-old Canadian defenseman has spent his entire 11-year NHL career with the Panthers, who selected him first overall in the 2014 draft.