Aaron Ekblad is a professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the Florida Panthers as an alternate captain in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on February 7, 1996, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and gained recognition early in his career when he was granted "Exceptional Player Status" by Hockey Canada, allowing him to enter the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft at the age of 15. Moreover, he was selected first overall by the Barrie Colts in the OHL Priority Selection and went on to have a successful junior career before being drafted first overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, he has established himself as one of the top defensemen in the NHL, earning accolades such as the Calder Trophy for the league's top rookie in 2015. In the 2023-2024 season, Ekbald won the Stanley Cup for the Panthers.
Also Read: Aaron Ekblad ethnicity
Aaron Ekblad’s Contract Breakdown
Aaron Ekblad's contract breakdown for the 2024-25 season includes a base salary of $4,000,000 and a signing bonus of $3,000,000 while carrying a cap hit of $7,500,000.
| Year | Age | Cap Hit | League Cap | Cash | Annual Cash |
| 2017-18 | 21 | $7,500,000 | $9,000,000 | $9,000,000 | $9,000,000 |
| 2018-19 | $22 | $7,500,000 | $7,000,000 | $7,000,000 | $16,000,000 |
| 2019-20 | $23 | $7,500,000 | $9,000,000 | $9,000,000 | $25,000,000 |
| 2020-21 | $24 | $7,500,000 | $6,000,000 | $6,000,000 | $31,000,000 |
| 2021-22 | 25 | $7,500,000 | $9,000,000 | $9,000,000 | $40,000,000 |
| 2022-23 | 26 | $7,500,000 | $6,000,000 | $6,000,000 | $46,000,000 |
| 2023-24 | 27 | $7,500,000 | $7,000,000 | $7,000,000 | $53,000,000 |
| 2024-25 | 28 | $7,500,000 | $7,000,000 | $7,000,000 | $60,000,000 |
How much is Aaron Ekblad getting paid?
Aaron Ekblad signed an eight-year contract extension with the Florida Panthers in 2016. Remarkably, the total value of the contract is $60,000,000, with all of it guaranteed. Moreover, his average annual salary throughout the contract stands at $7,500,000. For the 2024-25 season, Ekblad will earn a base salary of $4,000,000 along with a signing bonus of $3,000,000, maintaining a cap hit of $7,500,000 as per Sportrac.
Aaron Ekblad’s Career Earnings
Aaron Ekblad has accumulated career earnings amounting to $56,625,000 up to 2024. All of these earnings have been accrued while playing for the Panthers, showcasing his longstanding commitment to the team since he was drafted by them in 2014 as per Sportrac.
What are the terms of Aaron Ekblad’s Contract?
Aaron Ekblad's contract with the Florida Panthers is an eight-year deal worth $60,000,000, with $60,000,000 guaranteed, an average annual salary of $7,500,000, with a cap hit of $7,500,000 as per Sportrac.
How much of Aaron Ekblad’s Contract is guaranteed?
Aaron Ekblad's contract with the Florida Panthers is fully guaranteed, with $60,000,000 guaranteed over the eight-year duration of the deal as per Sportrac.
Aaron Ekblad's Contract History
Aaron Ekblad signed his first contract with the Florida Panthers in 2014, a three-year deal worth $11,325,000 with a signing bonus of $277,500. Subsequently, he signed an eight-year extension in 2016, valued at $60,000,000 with $60,000,000 guaranteed, carrying an average annual salary of $7,500,000 as per Sportrac.
| Contract Period | Age | Contract | Signing Bonus | Guaranteed | Average Annual Salary | Cap Hit | Cash | Free Agent Status |
| 2014-2016 (Rookie) | 18-20 | 3 years, $11,325,000 | $277,500 | $11,325,000 | $3,775,000 | N/A | $11,325,000 | RFA in 2017 |
| 2017-2024 (Extension) | 21-28 | 8 years, $60,000,000 | N/A | $60,000,000 | $7,500,000 | $7,500,000 | $60,000,000 | UFA in 2025 |
FAQs
A. Aaron Ekblad won a Stanley Cup for the Florida panthers in 2024.
