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17h ago

Panthers Secure Veteran Core in Bid for NHL’s First Three-Peat Since the 1980s

Long-term deals for Marchand, Ekblad and Bennett affirm Florida’s title drive under player health pressures combined with an extended NHL calendar

Jun 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) reacts after scoring a goal on Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Florida re-signed Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad to multi-year contracts this summer, preserving their back-to-back Stanley Cup nucleus.
  • Brad Marchand cited the return of Bennett and Ekblad as decisive in his choice to sign a six-year deal that will keep him in Sunrise through age 43.
  • Aaron Ekblad committed to a six-year, $48.8 million extension and said the Panthers have a long championship window thanks to minimal offseason downtime.
  • Matthew Tkachuk is set to miss time recovering from a hernia before February’s Olympic break, raising questions about his availability for key stretches.
  • Florida’s quest for a third straight title will be tested by Marchand’s durability concerns and the strain of an NHL schedule that exceeds 100 games.