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yesterday

Panthers Plan Full-Cap Spend to Keep Core Trio During Free Agency

Bill Zito says the Viola family has approved using nearly $19 million in cap room to lock up key unrestricted free agents before July 1.

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Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) skates during the warmup period against the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place.
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Overview

  • General manager Bill Zito publicly committed to spending to the salary cap following back-to-back Stanley Cup titles to retain Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad.
  • Florida enters the offseason with about $19 million in cap space against a projected combined ask of roughly $19.3 million for Bennett, Marchand and Ekblad.
  • Sam Bennett earned the Conn Smythe Trophy after leading playoff goal scoring, while Marchand and Ekblad have been pivotal additions to Florida’s three straight Final appearances.
  • Zito highlighted Florida’s no-state-tax environment and favorable weather as off-ice advantages in persuading players to stay.
  • The Edmonton Oilers face parallel decisions with around $11 million in cap room as they weigh a potential Connor McDavid extension and multiple unrestricted free agents including Connor Brown and John Klingberg.