Pierre LeBrun Reports Panthers' 'Pecking Order' for Free Agent Extensions

Bennett, represented by agent Darren Ferris, is coming off a Conn Smythe-winning postseason run and could fetch up to $10 million per year on the open market. 

“No. 1 priority, I believe, is Sam Bennett,” LeBrun said. “Zito wants to keep him, and Bennett wants to stay, but what is that number?”

Florida, however, won’t go that high. LeBrun suggests something closer to Sam Reinhart’s $8 million AAV could be a realistic target.

Second in line is former Boston Bruins captain Marchand.

“He was such a great fit that I think the Panthers will, as Zito said publicly, try to re-sign him,” LeBrun said. “But what number makes sense there?”

LeBrun noted that adding extra years to a prospective Marchand deal — regardless of whether he ends up playing those seasons or retires before getting there — could help reduce the cap hit.

The problem, however, is that using that strategy and bringing back Marchand and Bennett would leave Ekblad on the outside looking in.

"It just feels that when you look at three key pending UFAs, someone gets squeezed out," LeBrun said. "I could be wrong, but I feel like that’s Ekblad, who is in all likelihood heading to market."