From ESPN
7 players under contract totaling $6.4 million
"Mad" Mike Keenan has the opportunity to remake the Panthers in his
own image. The question is whether he should. Keenan must re-sign his
best players, unrestricted free agents Jay Bouwmeester, Roberto Luongo
and Olli Jokinen, then add some veteran leadership that will help a
young team brimming with potential step into the playoff hunt in the
Southeast Division. The key is whether unpredictable Keenan can build
the right chemistry. How about a beachside reunion of Keenan and Eric
Lindros? OK, never mind. It's more likely Keenan would try to coax
Hall of Fame-bound Mark Messier to the beaches for one last hurrah.
Sergei Zubov, who won a Cup in New York under Keenan, is also an
unrestricted free agent. With oodles of cap room, it's possible the
Panthers will get into the bidding for Niedermayer, who would be the
consummate role model for Bouwmeester.