With Sunday’s victory parade on the streets of Fort Lauderdale, the Panthers finally tamed their celebrations. After winning the Stanley Cup for the second time in a row, the Panthers went viral for their celebration, which started at the E11even in Miami before moving to the Elbo Room. Thankfully, those nights of wild celebration gave the fans a lot more than viral clips. Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, and Sam Bennett drop some massive hints.

While most teams consider themselves lucky if one player steps up during the playoffs, the Panthers got three. Bennett’s relentless scoring won him the Conn Smythe, and he was the one who dropped the first hint. “I ain’t f***ing leaving!” said Bennett, bringing the house down at the E11even. Then it was Ekblad’s turn. Although the defenseman’s confession wasn’t too enthusiastic, Brad Marchand gave the fans something to celebrate.

And guess what? None of the Panthers’ playoff stars seemed to have jumped the gun with their hints. The 37-year-old forward dropped a massive hint at the Elbo Room, indicating he would sign a four-year contract. And although Ekblad’s fate was still up in the air, insider Elliotte Friedman dropped a major update on 32 Thoughts, and it’s all positive.

“The Panthers may try to spread out the money with term on Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand in order to keep them,” NHL Rumour Report quoted the SportsNet reporter. While the $19 million salary cap means Florida will be spread thin trying to pick up all three star players, it seems the team is ready to go above and beyond to retain a big chunk of the dominant trio.

It’s not difficult to see why. Despite a modest 51-point regular season, Sam Bennett became a cornerstone of the Cats’ playoff success, scoring 22 points (15 goals, 7 assists) for his team. Aaron Ekblad also proved invaluable as a defenseman with offensive chops after a 20-game suspension. And then there’s Brad Marchand, the true dark horse of the Panthers’ offense.

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Coming in as a trade deadline transfer in March, Marchand shocked everyone as he embraced the Panthers’ system. The 27-year-old became the Cats’ clutch forward during the playoffs as he clinched multiple tide-turning games against the Leafs, Canes, and Oilers, ultimately scoring 10 goals and notching 10 assists. Yet, nothing’s official yet.

Brad Marchand and his teammates have only dropped hints

While insiders like Elliotte Friedman have dropped several positive updates about Marchand and his two teammates, nothing’s official yet. Bennett’s proclamation gave the hint that his extension with the Panthers was nothing short of a done deal. However, things are still quiet on the announcements front. While the Panthers definitely want to retain the talent, the talks are still ongoing.

The 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner’s agent revealed the state of the matter to the Toronto Sun. “At this time, no contract has been signed,” he said. Elliotte Friedman himself expressed doubt in his 32 Thoughts column. “Nothing’s done until it is done,” he wrote regarding Bennett’s bold proclamation. Although, Brad Marchand seems to be far more confident about his future.

Brad Marchand has continued to express his desire to stay after his “I’m not f***in leaving” moment. The NHL forward told reporters last Friday that his message to Bill Zito would be to give him a contract. If that’s not enough, Marchand dropped another hint on Sunday.  “I’m so happy I don’t have to play against these guys anymore,” he said during the victory parade.

If that’s not a concrete hint, then what is? And Aaron Ekblad? Well, the defenseman also made it clear what his intentions are as free agency approached. “Conversations have been had. Obviously, nothing material yet, but they’ll be working on it. Things seem to come down to the last minute here,” said Panthers’ Sr. Digital Content Manager James Olives. “I’ve spent 11 years here. … It’s home, and I expect it to be home,” Olive added in his post on X. So it seems that puck is on the Panthers’ zone; they just need to maintain the delicate balancing act.