from Damien Cox of the Toronto Star,

For his first three years, Tallon had to operate on a shoestring, and two years ago he had to spend $31 million in the summer months just to get up to the salary cap floor. Right now, the Panthers have the lowest payroll in the league at just above $50 million.

Tallon says that’s about to change and by next season the team will be well above a $60-million payroll.

“Vinny wants to win, and he wants to put all his resources into hockey,” said Tallon. “So I’m telling teams that I’m open for business. Now I can take money back if I make a trade, and I can make hockey trades, not ones based on my budget.

“Money is not the issue any more.”

In the short term, the Panthers likely will miss the playoffs again and may look to move veterans such as Tomas Kopecky or Sean Bergenheim before the March 5 deadline. Beyond that, with only about $38 million committed for next season, he anticipates that teams that are up against the cap right now will be looking to create space for next season, and the Panthers may be in a good position to add quality veterans.

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