Aaron Ekblad signed an eight-year, $48.8 million contract to remain with the Florida Panthers on Monday. It has an average annual value of $6.1 million.

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.’

Cup champion Florida Panthers and defenseman Aaron Ekblad agreed to an eight-year extension carrying a $6.1 million average-annual value, sources told ESPN Monday, confirming reports, a deal that keeps the veteran from becoming a free agent.