Following their consecutive Stanley Cup victories, the Florida Panthers face a critical summer ahead of NHL free agency, with general manager Bill Zito determined to retain the team’s championship nucleus. Central to these efforts is securing deals for key unrestricted free agents including Sam Bennett, whose performance has been pivotal to the Panthers’ success.
Florida Panthers Face Crucial Decisions to Retain Their Key Free Agents
Bill Zito exuded confidence about keeping the core of Florida’s roster intact after their 5-1 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. His optimism centers on re-signing free agents Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad, all of whom had instrumental roles in the Panthers’ championship run. Despite having approximately $19 million in salary-cap space, Zito confronts the challenge of balancing financial constraints with retaining high-caliber talent and maintaining roster depth for the upcoming season.
A significant advantage for the Panthers is Florida’s lack of state income tax, potentially enabling Zito to negotiate contracts at levels lower than what players might command elsewhere. NHL analyst Pierre McGuire highlighted this point on the Rink Rap Podcast, stating,
“If players are prepared to say, ‘I’ll take $3 million less, or I’ll take $2.5 million less,’ then maybe they can keep all three.”
—Pierre McGuire, NHL Insider
The Panthers’ recent experience in free agency offers both precedent and caution: while the team successfully secured forward Sam Reinhart before he became an unrestricted free agent last year, they also lost several notable contributors such as Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson to other teams. The challenge now is greater, with the stakes and salaries projected to be higher for Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad.
Sam Bennett’s Impact and Contract Outlook
Since joining the Panthers via trade from the Calgary Flames in 2021, Sam Bennett’s influence on Florida’s roster has been profound. As a relentless 29-year-old center, he has evolved into a foundational player, culminating in an extraordinary postseason where he earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2025 playoffs. Bennett set a franchise playoff record with 15 goals and led all skaters with 22 points across 23 games, pushing the Panthers to three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances.
Reflecting on his journey, Bennett remarked,
“I always knew I could be more than I was when I first got traded. But it’s all a dream I guess until you actually do it. I don’t think I knew how difficult it would be and how much work it would take. My whole life switched when I got traded here, and super grateful to be here. I don’t take that for granted.”
—Sam Bennett, Panthers Center
Throughout his Florida tenure, Bennett has consistently thrived in playoff competition, totaling 29 goals and 59 points over 77 postseason games, embodying what coach Paul Maurice calls the “prototypical Florida Panther.” Currently poised to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, Bennett concluded his four-year, $17.7 million contract that featured a $4.425 million annual cap hit—a bargain considering his recent dominance.
With negotiations imminent, Bennett is widely regarded as the team’s highest priority this offseason, reflecting his exceptional playoff output and increasing market value. McGuire emphasized the importance of retaining Bennett, saying,
“It starts with Sam Bennett, I think he’s staying in Florida.”
—Pierre McGuire, NHL Insider
Brad Marchand’s Transition and Future with the Panthers
Acquired from the Boston Bruins before the trade deadline, Brad Marchand quickly integrated into the Panthers’ lineup, despite playing only 10 regular-season games due to injury. His contributions in the playoffs were significant; in 23 postseason games, Marchand scored 10 goals and accumulated 20 points, including six goals in the Stanley Cup Final. His clutch performances included two playoff game-winning goals, notably an overtime winner in Game 2 that leveled the series against the Oilers, and another critical overtime goal in Game 3 of the second round against the Toronto Maple Leafs that helped save Florida’s season after an 0-2 series start.
Marchand expressed his satisfaction with the team after the championship, sharing,
“These are the best few months I have ever had in my career. It’s an incredible group down here. I’ve loved every second of it, and hopefully it can continue.”
—Brad Marchand, Panthers Forward
His exuberant declaration, “I’m not leaving!” during the post-Championship celebrations, although delivered under the influence, signals a positive early indication for Florida’s contract talks. Known for his fiery competitiveness and veteran experience, Marchand provides intangible leadership and intensity that complements the Panthers’ roster depth.
Approaching his 38th birthday, Marchand is coming off an eight-year, $49 million deal with a $6.125 million cap hit. The Panthers have shown a strong interest in retaining him, but discussions will likely focus on contract length and financial terms reflecting his veteran status. McGuire noted,
“If Brad’s prepared to maybe not take as much as what he could get on the open market, then I think he can stay.”
—Pierre McGuire, NHL Insider
Aaron Ekblad’s Long-Term Commitment and Contract Negotiations
Aaron Ekblad has been synonymous with the Panthers franchise since being selected first overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. Over his career in Sunrise, Ekblad has played a leading role in transforming the team from a rebuilding organization to back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. Among Panthers defensemen, he holds franchise records for goals (118), assists (262), and points (380), ranking second in games played behind only Aleksander Barkov.
This past season, Ekblad produced 33 points in 56 games despite time missed due to injuries and a 20-game suspension related to the NHL’s Performance Enhancing Substance Program. He also contributed 13 points in 19 playoff games, including a strong showing in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Now an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, Ekblad’s eight-year, $60 million contract expired on July 1. Despite this, Ekblad has expressed his desire to remain in Florida. He commented,
“I’ve spent 11 years here … It’s home, and I expect it to be home. Conversations have been had. Obviously, nothing material yet, but they’ll be working on it. Things seem to come down to the last minute here.”
—Aaron Ekblad, Panthers Defenseman
McGuire outlined the dilemma facing the Panthers, explaining,
“The big question mark is going to be on Aaron. He’s a lifelong Florida Panther. He’s a first overall pick. His entire career has been spent in South Florida, I’m sure he’s had amazing friends around that area. And so that player might say, ‘You know what, I’m prepared to play for X, and if he is, then they can keep all three. But if they all go to where they’re supposed to be, market value wise, they won’t be able to keep all three.”
—Pierre McGuire, NHL Insider
Given the salary cap constraints and the competing contract demands of these three key players, it is widely anticipated that Ekblad might need to accept a reduced salary to ensure the Panthers retain their championship core. As a franchise cornerstone and the second-longest tenured player, his flexibility could be critical for the team to maintain its championship trajectory.
Challenges Ahead for Florida’s Championship Roster Retention
With only 16 players currently signed for the next season, and a limited cap room to navigate, Florida’s management faces a complex balancing act this summer. The Panthers must prioritize salary offers carefully to keep Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad while addressing roster depth needs. Their previous experience managing notable departures after last season’s success underscores the delicate nature of maintaining a Stanley Cup-winning team.
The absence of state income tax in Florida presents a strategic advantage, potentially allowing the organization to offer competitive net salaries compared to other NHL markets, a factor their management hopes will persuade players toward team-friendly deals. However, each player’s market value and career stage create pressure on negotiations, with Bennett’s breakout playoff performance especially likely to push his contract value upward.
As negotiations unfold, the Panthers’ ability to retain these players will impact the team’s prospects this season and beyond, preserving continuity after their historic back-to-back championship wins. The summer ahead is one of the franchise’s most critical test periods, with the potential to define their competitive window for years to come.