Sun Jun 15 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Panthers Eye Bennett Extension, Contract Talks Stall with Ekblad
**Sunrise, FL – June 13, 2025 (10:00 am CDT) – By Brennan McClain** – Fresh off their Stanley Cup victory, the Florida Panthers are reportedly prioritizing securing their core players for the future. While focused on repeating as champions, the team faces the challenge of re-signing key pending unrestricted free agents, most notably forward Sam Bennett and defenseman Aaron Ekblad.
According to NHL Network insider David Pagnotta, negotiations with Bennett are progressing well. Reports indicate the Panthers are considering offering Bennett an eight-year deal worth approximately $64 million. Bennett’s value to the team is primarily due to his strong playoff performances and aggressive playing style. Since the start of the 2022-23 postseason, Bennett has tallied 26 goals and 50 points in 60 games.
However, discussions with Ekblad have hit a snag. Despite Ekblad’s stated desire to remain with the Panthers, his camp is reportedly seeking a contract mirroring or exceeding his current $7.5 million average annual value (AAV). The Panthers, citing Ekblad’s history of injuries, are said to be offering around $6 million AAV. This difference in valuation could lead to Ekblad exploring free agency for the first time in his career. As a top-four right-handed defenseman, he is expected to draw significant interest from other teams.
First Piper 