Overview

• Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad are set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.
• Marchand publicly told GM Bill Zito “Give me a contract” and Bennett declared “I’m not fucking leaving” during championship celebrations.
• Ekblad confirmed that informal extension talks have taken place but no agreement has been finalized.
• With only about $19 million in available cap space, the Panthers face difficulty retaining all three pivotal players.
• Reports indicate the Toronto Maple Leafs plan to pursue offers for Marchand, Bennett and Ekblad, although landing Ekblad would require Morgan Rielly to waive his no-move clause.