Florida panthers are taking the band back together after their consecutive Stanley Cup Championships – and this means expanding a familiar face and a new one.
Forward Brad Marchand is signing a contract of six years, $ 30 million to live in Florida, while Defenseman Aaron Ekblad will expand eight years, $ 48.8 million, several reports said on Monday.
Marchand, acquired from Boston Brins, was an important contributor to Florida’s playoff run in a shocking step on the day of trade time limit. He scored 10 goals and 10 assistance for 20 points in 23 matches as the panthers defeated Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricane and Admonton Oilers on their way to the cup.
In the 16 seasons spent with Bruce (2009–25) and panthers, Marchand has played in 1,100 regular-season games and prolonged 980 points (424 goals, 556 aid). He will be 43 years old at the end of his new deal.
Meanwhile, Ekblad spent his entire career in South Florida, when the panthers first prepared him in 2014. He had 33 points (three goals, 30 aids) in the 56 regular-season game and in the last season, 19 playoff games for Florida had another 13 goals (four goals, nine assist).
The 29-year-old Ekblad was suspended by NHL in March for a violation of the league performance policy. In a statement, Ekblad stated that he made a mistake from taking something to help recover from recent injuries without conducting proper medical and team personnel first. “
Due to suspension, Ekblad sat out of 18 regular-season games and two playoff games. He returned before the end of the first round series against rival Lightning.
The move signed Florida on Friday for eight years, $ 64 million for the Con Smith Trophy winner Sam Bennett.
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