Aaron Ekblad Agrees to Deal With Panthers

Looks like the Florida Panthers are keeping around one of their most prized draft picks for another eight years.

Today, the Panthers inked young Mr. Aaron Ekblad to a eight-year, $60 million extension. The deal became official when the free agency period began earlier today. The Miami Herald was the first to report this story.

This deal marks the most lucrative contract in Panthers history and would make Ekblad the NHL's fifth highest-paid defenseman behind P.K. Subban, Shea Weber, Dustin Byfuglien, and Ryan Suter. Ekblad is only 20 years old but did capture the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year after the 2014-15 season. This season, he had another strong one, being one of the Panthers' top defensemen of 2015-16. And in two seasons with them, Ekblad has 75 points on 27 goals and 48 assists. Can you say star-in-the-making?

Look, here's the thing about the Florida Panthers. They play in an area that doesn't really endorse hockey all that much. They either watch football, go to nightclubs, or basketball. But having Ekblad secures his future in Florida, as well as possibly bring Florida at chance at glory.

This is a good deal for the Panthers. Not only does it lock up Ekblad for another good almost-decade, but it can allow them to build a team in a way that makes Ekblad a crucial piece of becoming a part of a potential Stanley Cup-winning team. I'm looking forward to seeing Ekblad back out on the ice for the Florida Panthers and helping them to get there.

And by the way, since we are on the subject of the Florida Panthers, who likes the new logo? Just curious. It looks great, but at the same time, I miss the old one. What do you think?