The above number represents the Florida Panthers total cap commitment for the upcoming season.

The Panthers have 9 players under contract for the 2011-2012 season including five forwards: David Booth, Evgeni Dadonov, Rostislav Olesz, Scott Timmins and Stephen Weiss. Only three defensemen have a contract in place: Jason Garrison, Dmitri Kulikov and Mike Weaver. Goaltender Scott Clemmensen is also signed through next season.

The Panthers have seven restricted free agents who much be signed, including forwards Nicklas Bergfors, Steve Bernier, Shawn Matthias, Michal Repik, Mike Santorelli, Jack Skille and defenseman Keaton Ellerby.

Even with significant raises, those seven contracts should total somwhere between $10 million and $13 million per year, giving the Panthers 16 signed players totaling $26.6 million - $29.6 million in cap space. Even if Erik Gudbranson and his $3.375 million cap hit make the team, Dale Tallon will have to sign six additional roster players for somewhere between $13 million and $16 million just to reach the salary floor.