Free Agent Focus: Erik Haula

An already interesting Florida Panthers offseason is about to head into its most active stretch. 

The NHL’s free agency period opens Oct. 9 at noon and according  to Puckpedia.com, the Panthers have 12 NHLers currently under contract. 

That leaves a lot of work — and some big decisions — for new GM Bill Zito. 

With an estimated cap hit of roughly $59.8 million for next season’s Panthers — and with the NHL salary capped at $81.5 million — Florida has close to $22 million to work even after factoring in retained money, buyouts and Roberto Luongo’s early retirement recapture penalty.

The Panthers have five unrestricted free agents. Will they stay or will they go? Should they stay or should they go? 

We’ll break it down player by player.

Today: Erik Haula

Next Up: Evgenii Dadonov