Aaron Ekblad breaks silence on Panthers contract talks ahead of free agency

Aaron Ekblad finally addressed his future with the Florida Panthers, so supporters are keen to learn what comes next. Many are speculating whether the longest-serving defenseman on the team will remain or go as his present contract nears termination.

Though his most recent remarks offer some hints, they also leave much unsaid.

Aaron Ekblad says talks with Panthers are happening but nothing final yet

On Saturday, June 22, 2025, Aaron Ekblad shared an important update about his contract during an interview with Jameson Olive for Panthers.com. Ekblad said that conversations with the Florida Panthers have already taken place, but no deal has been signed yet.“Conversations have been had,” Ekblad told Olive. “Obviously, nothing material yet, but they’ll be working on it. Things seem to come down to the last minute here.”After completing his eight-year, $60 million contract signed in 2016, twenty-nine-year-old Aaron Ekblad became an unrestricted free agent.

He was the first choice overall for the Panthers in 2014 after having played his whole NHL career with them. Claiming without question that Florida is home after winning his second Stanley Cup this year with the club, he proclaimed.

“I’ve spent 11 years here,” he said. “It’s home, and I expect it to be home.”In the 2024–25 season, Ekblad had 33 points and a +11 rating. He continued to be a key defensive player. In the playoffs he averaged 24 minutes per game and scored 13 points in 19 games.

With more than 21 minutes of play in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday, June 17, he had one assist and two shot blocks.

Aaron Ekblad talks about suspension and NHL insider gives contract insight

Ekblad was banned 20 games in March 2025 for breaching NHL and NHLPA rules regarding performance-enhancing medicines. He subsequently apologized and said it was a mistake during recovery.“I made a mistake by taking something to recover from recent injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel,” Ekblad told ESPN.

“I have accepted responsibility. I have learned a hard lesson.”Also Read: NHL Scouts Expose Serious Concerns About Aaron Ekblad Ahead Of Free AgencyHe missed the end of the regular season but returned for Game 3 in the first round of the playoffs.Meanwhile, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared in his June 22 “32 Thoughts” column that Florida is likely trying to keep Ekblad. “They (Florida) are going to try,” Friedman wrote. “You could see the Panthers giving term to keep down the AAV.”Ekblad’s long history with Florida and his solid performance may help both sides agree soon.