The Florida Panthers, having recently won their second consecutive Stanley Cup, prioritized extending contracts for defenseman Aaron Ekblad and forward Brad Marchand, following Sam Bennett's eight-year deal. Panthers' president Bill Zito emphasized the importance of fair treatment and team cohesion as they navigate their remaining salary cap of $11 million. With multiple key players already committed through 2029-30 and additional restricted free agents in play, Zito acknowledged the challenge of fitting everyone within tight financial constraints while maintaining the team's core.
My preference - and maybe I'm hoping - is that there's enough for guys to want to stay to be a part of this and be treated fairly and be happy.
Everything is so intertwined. When you spend to the cap and you do it for as many years as we have and commit to as many guys as we have, the wiggle room on little things is really, really difficult.
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