Florida Panthers Near Brad Marchand Extension Amid Sam Bennett Negotiation Setbacks

The Florida Panthers face critical contract negotiations this offseason with key players from their back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning roster, including Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad. Brad Marchand, acquired in March 2025, is reportedly close to signing a contract extension, with insiders suggesting a strong chance he remains with the team. Meanwhile, talks with Sam Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy-winning playoff MVP, have hit some setbacks, though negotiations continue as both sides work toward a potential eight-year deal. Aaron Ekblad's future is more uncertain; despite his expressed desire to stay, industry sentiment indicates he is likely to test free agency due to limited negotiation progress. The Panthers must balance retaining these core players within their salary cap constraints to maintain their championship core, making these contract decisions pivotal for their continued success. The outcomes of these negotiations will significantly impact the team's composition for the upcoming season.