A major signing confirms Brad Marchand's departure from the Panthers: A major development has surfaced
The Florida Panthers are trying to lock up all of their free agents and run it back for the third straight year.
Just days ago, General Manager Bill Zito announced a contract extension for forward Sam Bennett, signing him to a eight-year, $8 million contract.
Sam Bennett signs an eight-year extension with #FlaPanthers carrying an $8M AAV.
It seemed like Aaron Ekblad was going to be walking, as the Panthers made it clear they want to bring back former Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand.
Today this just took a big turn.
Florida Panthers re-sign Aaron Ekblad
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman just confirmed that the Florida Panthers have re-sign Aaron Ekblad, and it changes things for the Panthers and Marchand.
Friedman revealed that Ekblad was close to signing an extension with the Panthers.
Being told Aaron Ekblad is staying in Florida
Not long after he also revealed that Ekblad was signing a eight-year, $6.1 million contract extension:
Sounds like this is going to be around 8 x $6.1M-ish
After signing Ekblad, the Florida Panthers have just $4.9 million in cap space, leaving them little room to sign Brad Marchand.
Following the Stanley Cup Finals it was revealed that Marchand was looking for a 3-4 year deal, around the $8 million AAV range.
It's unclear how they are going to be able to afford him with no cap space, unless they make a couple of moves.
Previously on Boston Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 30 | 634 ANSWERS A major signing confirms Brad Marchand's departure from the Panthers: A major development has surfaced Could you see the Boston Bruins pursuing Brad Marchand if he does depart from the Florida Panthers? | ||
| Yes | 311 | 49.1 % |
| No | 323 | 50.9 % |
| List of polls | ||