Overview

• The Panthers currently sit about $3.7 million over the NHL’s upper salary cap limit as they head into the regular season.
• General Manager Bill Zito does not intend to trade middle-six forward Evan Rodrigues despite his $3 million cap hit.
• Placing Matthew Tkachuk on long-term injured reserve could free approximately $9.5 million, covering the team’s overrun and more.
• Rodrigues has recorded 71 points in 162 regular-season games and 30 points in 45 playoff contests since joining Florida in 2023.
• Zito’s approach relies on LTIR and minor roster adjustments to maintain continuity in the back-to-back Stanley Cup–winning core.