While running things back with Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Matthew Tkachuk was already intriguing, Aaron Ekblad mentioned another teammate as a "driving factor" in his decision to stay with the Florida Panthers.

The Panthers re-signed veteran defenseman Aaron Ekblad to a long-term extension, keeping Ekblad with the team that drafted him.

SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito announced today that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Aaron Ekblad on an eight-year contract extension through the 2032-33 season.