Ekblad wants to stay in Florida: 'I expect it to be home'
Pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Aaron Ekblad's top wish for this offseason is to remain a Florida Panther.
"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."
He added, "I've spent 11 years here. ... It's home, and I expect it to be home."
Ekblad's eight-year, $60-million contract is set to expire July 1, but he can re-sign with the Panthers at any point. Florida has decisions to make regarding Ekblad's future as well as those of fellow UFAs Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand.
Bennett said at a Cup celebration that he's not leaving the Panthers, but a contract reportedly isn't yet in place. It's unclear at this point if Marchand will test the open market or stay in Florida after an impressive stint following his move to Sunrise at the trade deadline.
The Panthers have have $19 million in cap space to work with this offseason, per PuckPedia.
Florida drafted Ekblad first overall in 2014, and he's averaged more than 20 minutes per contest in all 11 of his NHL campaigns after entering the league as an 18-year-old. He's dealt with injuries throughout his career, though, and was suspended 20 games this past season for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances program.
The blue-liner played a vital role in helping the Panthers secure their second consecutive Stanley Cup, racking up 13 points in 19 playoff games.
Ekblad would be the top right-shot defenseman available in free agency if he doesn't re-up with Florida.