It means the world to me. Nineteen years is a long time, especially with one franchise, and I have so much pride and still a lot of expectations for my career in these eight years.’

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.