3 Florida Panthers who won’t be back next season

1. Marc Staal

At 35, Marc Staal isn’t what he used to be. But he was a serviceable blue-liner for the Panthers this season. The defenseman showed he still has something left in the tank. That said, it means more money will come his way.

Does Florida bring him back or potentially go after younger defensemen on the free-agent market?

Zito is known for always looking at the bigger picture. He did that with the Tkachuk trade and locked up his core with long-term extensions. His style projects that he’ll choose the latter option.

Staal should still have a job next season, but it looks like it’ll be elsewhere and not with Florida. Having appeared in over 11,000 games, he has a case for the Hall of Fame. Despite that, Staal still wants to win a Stanley Cup. He wants his name on that coveted trophy. Eric and Jordan Staal have a cup together in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes. Now, it’s Marc’s turn.

Even if the Panthers won’t bring him back, Having come three wins shy of it and still playing at a high level as he approaches age 36, this isn’t a time for Marc to quit. Instead, it should boost confidence that his dream can still be achieved.