It means the world to me. Nineteen years is a long time, especially with one franchise, and I have so much pride and still a lot of expectations for my career in these eight years.’

Ekblad was considered the top defenseman on the free-agent market before inking the contract, worth $6.1 million annually.

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