Panthers Rumors: Florida Will Have Big Problem Next Summer

Florida Panthers' GM, Bill Zito, is facing some tough decisions looming next summer, despite having this season's roster largely set. 

With the NHL salary cap recently raised by $5.5 million to $88 million, the Panthers are hoping for a similar increase next season. 

However, Florida faces a significant cap crunch with key players like Aaron Ekblad, Carter Verhaeghe, and Sam Bennett all eligible to become unrestricted free agents, as noted by George Richards of Florida Hockey Now.

Sam Bennett puts Florida up 1-0 🎯 pic.twitter.com/lB99QfAxEt

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) June 2, 2024

The Panthers have $22.5 million in projected cap space under the current cap, but these players have earned raises that may not fit within those constraints.

Aaron Ekblad, with a $7.5 million cap hit this season, may need to consider a pay cut to stay in Florida, as his performance has leveled off. 

Although there are rumors of Zito shopping Ekblad, the recent departures of Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson make trading him unlikely. 

Aaron Ekblad's power play rip sneaks through Woll to break the ice for Florida just 3:31 into regulation!#TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/Vc20ilcyEK

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) May 12, 2023

Meanwhile, Verhaeghe and Bennett, currently underpaid at $4.166 million and $4.425 million respectively, are expected to command higher salaries in free agency. 

Even with the cap expected to rise to $92 million for the 2025-26 season, it's improbable that the Panthers can retain all three players. At least one of them is likely playing their final season with the Panthers unless significant cap room is freed up.

Photo Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports