Open Extended ReactionsFlorida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad won't be hitting the open market. The Panthers and their top-pairing defenseman agreed to an eight-year extension carrying a $6.1 million average annual value, sources told ESPN on Monday, confirming reports. The extension will keep Ekblad from becoming an unrestricted free agent. General manager Bill Zito has also prioritized taking care of the team's own, signing Sam Bennett -- the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner as NHL playoff MVP -- to an eight-year, $64 million extension earlier this month. The Panthers currently have $4.9 million in cap space available for the coming season, according to Puckpedia.