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3mo ago

Panthers Move to Lock Up Championship Core as Free Agency Looms

Florida is balancing its salary cap with rival bids to secure its championship core before free agency opens.

Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk hoists the Stanley Cup for with a crowd of fans at at Fort Lauderdale’s Elbo Room on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period of Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amalie Arena on April 22, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
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Overview

  • Florida Panthers celebrate back-to-back Stanley Cup wins as they enter a key offseason.
  • Unrestricted free agents Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad have each publicly expressed their intent to remain with the team.
  • General manager Bill Zito says he believes the Panthers can re-sign all three using their $19 million in salary cap space.
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs are considering offers for the trio, introducing competition to contract negotiations.
  • Formal talks have started with Aaron Ekblad and are expected to intensify with all pending free agents ahead of the July 1 opening of free agency.