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UFA spotlight -- Jason Garrison

Florida Panthers v Colorado Avalanche

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 18: Jason Garrison #52 of the Florida Panthers controls the puck against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on January 18, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Florida Panthers 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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All week leading up to July 1, we’ll be profiling unrestricted free agents and speculating where they might end up.

Jason Garrison (D)

Age: 27

2011-12 cap hit: $675,000

The skinny:

It’s believed Garrison wants to stay with the Panthers, and the two sides have had talks; however, it’s not clear whether Florida can afford to keep the late-bloomer with the big shot.

Garrison is coming off consecutive strong NHL seasons. His point total increased dramatically in 2011-12, with 16 goals and 17 assists playing alongside the newly acquired Brian Campbell.

Garrison also had an effective 2010-11 campaign -- a fact many overlook -- logging 22:18 per game while leading the team in hits and blocking a ton of shots.

If Garrison and the Panthers can’t come to terms, the St. Louis Blues are reportedly interested.

Other teams will be interested, too.

A Vancouver-area native, Garrison said in May that playing for the Canucks would be a thrill.

“It’s always nice to be wanted and if that’s the case and you have a quality that they like, obviously it’s my hometown team and I grew up watching them play,” said Garrison. “My friends and family are big Canuck fans and would love to see me play at home but you’ve got to be the right fit for a team. You want to be able to contribute.”

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