We are just hours away from the official start of the NHL Free Agency period. Beginning at noon on Tuesday, teams are permitted to sign contracts with players who are unrestricted free agents. The NHL salary cap has increased by $7.5 million, bringing the total cap to $95.5 million — the largest rise between seasons since the cap’s introduction in 2025.
As of noon Monday, 24 hours before free agency opens, the Florida Panthers had $11 million in salary cap space, based on their roster of signed defensemen and goaltenders for the 2025-26 season. The roster included players like AJ Greer, Uvis Balinsk, and Jonah Gadjovich. However, the Panthers now appear to be at or over the cap following two major signings that shook the hockey world.
Defenseman Aaron Ekblad and forward Brad Marchand have both inked long-term extensions to remain with the Panthers. Ekblad agreed to an eight-year deal worth an average of $6.1 million per year, while Marchand signed a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5.25 million. These sizable contracts solidify Florida’s core with key players locked in for the foreseeable future, including Barkov, Tkachuk, Reinhart, Bennett, Jones, Farsling, Lundell, and now Ekblad and Marchand, all signed through at least 2030.
Despite these big moves, the Panthers are not finished yet. They currently sit $350,000 over the cap and still need to secure a backup goalie, likely Danil Tarathon, a restricted free agent they acquired in last week’s NHL Draft. Additionally, reports from insider David Pannotta suggest Florida might try to re-sign unrestricted free agent Thomas Nose.
Questions remain about whether the Panthers will explore trades or consider using LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve) to manage their salary cap situation. Answers will come in the hours, weeks, and months ahead. While Florida was busy leading up to June 30th, fans should expect them to remain active after July 1st. Stay tuned for further developments.
Latest from Hockey News – Florida:
- Panthers agree to multi-year extension with Brad Marchand
- Aaron Ekblad commits to Panthers with a long-term contract
- Insider reveals three teams interested in Brad Marchand
- Stanley Cup set to be engraved with the 2024-25 Florida Panthers’ name
- NHL Rumors: Three teams targeting Panthers’ Nate Schmidt
Photo Caption: On May 7, 2025, in Toronto during the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Brad Marchand (63) celebrates a goal with Aaron Ekblad (5) of the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. (Image by Nick Turchiaro-Immagn)
Fan Take:
Florida’s aggressive signings signal their serious ambition to contend for the Stanley Cup in the coming years, a move that excites hockey fans who love seeing competitive balance in the NHL. These long-term deals could shape the league’s future power dynamics, making the Panthers a team to watch closely.
