The Daily: Panthers Believe They Can Keep UFAs; NHL Rumors

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito, holding $19 million in cap space, is on the record saying he believes he can keep all three of his high profile UFAs.

You have to wonder if Zito also believes carrots improve your vision, coffee stunts your growth and that you can see the Great Wall of China from outer space.

Conventional wisdom about negotiating with Panthers Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett, super pest Brad Marchand and defenseman Aaron Ekblad is that Zito will be able to keep two out of the three. The Panthers have shown creativity when it comes to keeping veterans.

All of this is of interest to the Red Wings because they would be happy to pursue any of these players when the free agent signing period begins July 1. But the odds of Detroit landing Bennett or Marchand if they are available are not all that good anyway. Those two players in particular are probably reluctant to join a team that has missed the playoffs for nine years. Perhaps they would have a better shot at Ekblad because he grew up not far from Detroit, in Belle River, Ontario.

But Zito’s prediction does remind Detroit fans that their team is more likely to land their Plan B free agents than the high-profile free agents like Bennett, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and Marchand.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff says it’s time for Detroit GM Steve Yzerman to take some risks on draft day.

The Red Wings presumably have considerable interest in 6-foot-6 defenseman Radim Mrtka. However, he’s unlikely to be on the board when Detroit is up at No. 13.

Goalie Jan Bednar, who played this season in Toledo, is opting to play in Finland.

Red Wings Extra

Grand Rapids Griffins broadcaster Bob Kaser is celebrating 25 years as the Voice of the Griffins. Detroit Red Wings fans also know his work as well because he the first choice if Ken Daniels has to miss a Red Wings game.

Nearly 2,000 games behind the Griffins’ mic

Dozens of Red Wings games

11 Michigan Association of Broadcasters Excellence Awards

3 Michigan Associated Press Awards for outstanding hockey play-by-play

2 Calder Cup championship runs

1 AHL James H. Ellery Memorial Award for… pic.twitter.com/khAS0NNKAo

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) June 14, 2025

Hockey Now Network

Montreal: Reports say the Canadiens might be Claude Giroux’s Plan B if he cannot reach an agreement with the Ottawa Senators.  Montreal Canadiens. 

New Jersey: The Devils reportedly are not qualifying Cody Glass. James Nichols explains what his free agency means. New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia: Defenseman Cam York is still unsigned. What’s going on with the Philadelphia Flyers?

Pittsburgh: It seems more likely that Minnesota’s Marco Rossi will be traded. The Penguins could be interested, even though the Rossi will require a strong return. Pittsburgh Penguins.