The Panthers and former first-overall pick Aaron Ekblad have agreed to an eight-year contract that keeps him out of free agency,

Sam Bennett could have gone to free agency and picked his landing spot, plus probably could have signed for much more money than the Florida Panthers were able to offer.

Sam is a special player who has mastered a unique blend of skill and physicality in his game, becoming one of the most impactful postseason performers of his generation,” Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito said.