"As the new season approaches, the road to Atlantic supremacy, and perhaps the Stanley Cup, still runs through Sunrise. The Panthers have firmly established themselves as Toronto's biggest obstacle to a deep playoff run. While the Leafs made their own offseason adjustments, most notably losing All-Star winger Mitch Marner, it's the Panthers who continue to set the pace, retooling just enough to remain dangerous without compromising the core that brought them back-to-back titles."
"Long-time Panther mainstays Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad, along with trade deadline acquisition Brad Marchand, were some of the most sought-after names headed towards unrestricted free agency on July 1. Zito didn't waste any time in dashing the hopes of numerous NHL teams that would have been interested in securing the services of those three players. Over a few days leading up to free agency, he signed Bennett (June 27), Ekblad (June 30), and Marchand (July 1) to extensions to remain in Florida"
The Florida Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champions after eliminating the Toronto Maple Leafs in a seven-game series last postseason, marking the second playoff elimination of Toronto by Florida in three years. The Leafs nearly seized control by blowing a two-goal lead in Game 3 but suffered blowout defeats at home in Games 5 and 7. Panthers general manager Bill Zito prioritized roster continuity, signing Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand to extensions in late June and early July. The Panthers retooled minimally to preserve their championship core, maintaining their position as Toronto's primary playoff obstacle.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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