Panthers, Ekblad agree on 8-year extension worth reported $60M

On the eve of free agency, the Florida Panthers reportedly came to terms with one of their franchise cornerstones.

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad has agreed to an eight-year extension, the club announced Friday. The deal is worth $60-million according to George Richards of the Miami Herald, who reported the parameters late Thursday, citing a source.

Ekblad is under contract for one more season - the final year of his entry-level contract - before his new deal kicks in.

The two sides were preparing to sign off on the eight-year pact last Friday, when Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman first reported the terms of the deal.

Ekblad ranked second on the Panthers in average time on ice this season, logging 21:41. The 20-year-old posted 36 points in 78 regular-season games.

He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2015, collecting 39 points and appearing in 81 contests.