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Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad re-signed with the Panthers for a combined $144.3 million.

FORT LAUDERDALE — Before NHL commissioner Gary Bettman once again mocks anyone who believes Florida being a zero income tax state benefits its hockey teams, he may want to speak to Brad Marchand.

Because Marchand made it clear if not for the Florida Panthers playing in a state with no income tax, they would not have re-signed all three of their top free agents.

In fact, Marchand speculated the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion may have brought back just one from that group that included himself, center Sam Bennett and defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

"If we were not in a non-tax state, it probably wouldn't have worked out probably for two guys," Marchand said at

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