We now know what it will take for the Panthers to re-sign Sam Bennett

Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito has some serious work to do this offseason.

Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, all big-time contributors on this team's 2025 Stanley Cup winning roster, are pending unrestricted free agents and can leave the team in just over a week's time.

While there's been plenty of discussion on a potential $64 million deal (8 x $8 million) for Bennett and Marchand himself has hinted at a four year contract extension on social media, there's been nary a peep regarding Ekblad.

There were reports that the Panthers offered a $7 million annual deal to Bennett, but NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is reporting today anything under $8 million per year probably won't get the job done.

"I don't know if $7.5m would get it done for Sam Bennett," said Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast today.

"I would bet there's at least one team out there that would make an offer Sam Bennett can't refuse; I think he likely stays in Florida."

Meanwhile, Marchand has been happily telling fans that he has a four year agreement with the Panthers, but nothing has been confirmed officially

As for Ekblad, the veteran defenseman stated earlier this season that he doesn't want to play anywhere else and that he wants to remain a Panther for the entirety of his career.

Personally, I felt like there was no way the Panthers would let Ekblad get away, but today NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that Ekblad will more than likely move on from Florida as a free agent.

"It seems more likely than not Aaron Ekblad is moving on from Florida; door not closed by that's the industry sentiment," Johnston said on his very own Chris Johnston Show.

Again, colour me surprised here as I thought for sure that Ekblad would re-sign in Florida on a hometown discount. Stay tuned.