Major update in Brad Marchand negotiations with the Panthers

UPDATE: NHL insider Chris Johnston is reporting that the Panthers and Brad Marchand are close on a new contract and "it's sounding a little bit more like Brad Marchand stays with the Panthers."

Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito has some serious work to do this offseason.

Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, all big-time contributors on this team's 2025 Stanley Cup winning roster, are pending unrestricted free agents and can leave the team in just over a week's time.

While there's been plenty of discussion on a potential $64 million deal (8 x $8 million) for Bennett and Marchand himself has hinted at a four year contract extension on social media, there's been nary a peep regarding Ekblad. The veteran defenseman stated earlier this season that he doesn't want to play anywhere else and that he wants to remain a Panther for the entirety of his career.

Personally, I felt like there was no way the Panthers would let Ekblad get away, but today NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that Ekblad will more than likely move on from Florida as a free agent.

"It seems more likely than not Aaron Ekblad is moving on from Florida; door not closed by that's the industry sentiment," Johnston said on his very own Chris Johnston Show.

Johnston's TSN colleague Pierre LeBrun reports today that there's been little negotiation between Ekblad and the Panthers, to this point.

"The reality is I don't think there's been a lot of negotiation throughout the year between Aaron Ekblad and the Panthers; I think he's headed in all likelihood to market."

Again, colour me surprised here as I thought for sure that Ekblad would re-sign in Florida on a hometown discount. Stay tuned.