The Florida Panthers could have defenseman Jason Garrison locked up with a new contract in the next few days.

ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun reports contract negotiations between the Panthers and the UFA-to-be will “resume this week”, at which point the defenseman can expect an offer” from General Manager Dale Tallon.

“We’re going to start the process this week, we’re going to talk and see where it goes,” Tallon told ESPN.com Monday. “I talked to his agent at the combine last week and said I hoped we could get together this week and see if we could get something done.”

Earning an annual salary of only $675,000, Garrison scored 16 goals and 17 assists in 2011-12. Obviously he’s due a hefty raise. However, both sides have hinted at wanting to extend the relationship, and the Panthers have gobs and gobs of salary cap space with which to work.


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