The Panthers re-signed veteran defenseman Aaron Ekblad to a long-term extension, keeping Ekblad with the team that drafted him.

Ekblad reportedly is re-signing with the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions on an eight-year contract worth $48.8 million

Panthers general manager Bill Zito, who previously said the Jones trade wouldn't stop the club from keeping "either one or both" defensemen, will now look to head into the 2025-26 season with Ekblad and Jones anchoring the team's top two pairings.