Panthers would like to re-sign defensemen Radko Gudas, Lucas Carlsson

Both blueliners will hit free agency at noon on Saturday, July 1

The Florida Panthers will be looking to reinforce its back line as the NHL enters its annual free agency period.

While the Panthers will be looking to add players on shorter term deals, two of the team’s unrestricted free agents may be offered contracts to return to the team.

They are defensemen Radko Gudas and Lucas Carlsson.

Gudas has been a key member of Florida’s defensive corps since he signed a three-year deal with the Panthers back in 2020.

His hard-working and tough-minded playing style has been a welcomed addition to a Panthers team that has leaned into those gritty elements of the game, particularly under Paul Maurice.

Carlsson is coming off a huge year for the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, logging 20 goals and 54 points in 61 regular season games, and another three goals and six points in seven playoff contests.

The 20 goals led all AHL defensemen.

It was a breakout season for the 25-year-old.

Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said he’d like to re-sign both players, but understands they have a right to test the market.

“You have to respect the player’s right to free agency,” Zito said. “We can’t keep everybody, but at the same time we’re going to try. We have restrains put on us by the cap, and now with the injuries, so there’s just not as much money to go around as we would like to have.”

Regarding Gudas, both the player and general manger have expressed a mutual interest in keeping the veteran rearguard with the Panthers.

Gudas, who just turned 33 last month, has settled nicely in South Florida with his wife and four young children and ultimately would prefer to stay there.

“We’ve continued to talk to his agent, and we’d like to have him back, and we’re trying,” Zito said of Gudas. “At the same time…you can’t begrudge a guy with free agency. We’ll just have to literally see what happens over the course of July 1.”

Zito echoed a similar sentiment with Carlsson.

“We talked to him and we’d like to bring him back,” Zito said. “We’re confident and hopeful.”