Brad Marchand signs a long-term deal to stay with the Florida Panthers

Hot on the heels of re-signing defenseman Aaron Ekblad to an 8 year contract extension, there are reports that the Florida Panthers have re-signed pending UFA Brad Marchand to a six year contract worth $5.3 million.

From NHL insisder Elliotte Friedman:

That would take Marchand until he's 43 years old... yeesh.

Not gonna lie though, with Marchand at $5.3 million, Sam Bennett at $8 million and Aaron Ekblad at $6.1 million per season, GM Bill Zito has pulled off a hat trick of excellent signings just ahead of free agency. The Panthers' run for a three-peat next season is looking mighty fine right about now.