Bottom-pairing defenseman Nate Schmidt is also set to hit free agency. So is backup goaltender Vitek Vanecek, who has recorded limited playing time and made no postseason appearances since his midseason trade from the San Jose Sharks.

Sam Bennett was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoffs MVP before a jubilant Amerant Bank Arena crowd in Sunrise, Florida, on June 17.

The Florida Panthers have won their second straight Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the championship series Tuesday night. Why it matters: Florida is a hockey state.

With one more win, the Florida Panthers will claim their second straight Stanley Cup and cement themselves as the envy of the entire NHL for years to come. Howe

Joe Pavelski predicted where Florida Panthers C Brad Marchand will end up during the NHL's free agency period during media availability for the American Century Championship.

They are back in the Stanley Cup Finals, but a new wave of fans are again enjoying one of hockey’s most beloved playoff traditions. Will we see the rats?