Florida Panthers Owner Admits Team Lost Millions During 2013-14 Season

Oct 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida Panthers owner Doug Cifu admits his franchise lost an average of $114,000 a day last season, which may mark the beginning of the end for the team in Miami

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It takes a big man to admit to losing $114,000 a day, so give Florida Panthers owner Doug Cifu credit for admitting his team lost that staggering figure during the 2013-14 season.

In an interview with TSN Radio 1290 in Winnipeg, Cifu discussed the Panthers’ current situation, one that may have reached rock bottom (at least for now) when only 7,311 fans showed up for Florida’s October 13 game against the Ottawa Senators. Cifu said that the team is still focused on putting together a Stanley Cup playoff-caliber team, which is why they increased payroll to $65 million this season.

The Panthers are expected to lose money (you think?) this season, although Cifu said the total wouldn’t be as bad as it was last year.

Without question, the word “relocation” has become a subject for the Panthers, who were part of the NHL’s ambitious bid to bring the game to the southern part of the United States during the 1993-94 season. The franchise hit its peak in 1995-96, when they finished 41-31-10 during the regular season and shocked the hockey world by reaching the Stanley Cup finals, where they were swept by the Colorado Avalanche.

The Panthers have made the playoffs just twice since 2000. They won the Southeast Division in 2011-12, but were knocked out in the first round by the New Jersey Devils.

If it comes down to relocation, cities like Houston, Seattle, Portland and Kansas City will be among possible landing sites.

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