The Panthers have been busy on the extension front early on this season. They signed Carter Verhaeghe on opening night, recently inked Paul Maurice to a new deal, and are in discussions on an extension with Sam Bennett. However, according to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, it has been quiet when it comes to potential talks with their other prominent UFA, defenseman Aaron Ekblad. The 28-year-old is in the final season of what was a record-setting contract at the time for a blueliner coming off an entry-level deal, paying him $7.5MM per season. Despite being banged up with injuries the last few years, it stands to reason that a new pact should come in somewhat close to this one which Florida might not be able to afford if they keep Bennett.