Lots of free agent news from Steve Gorten at the Sun-Sentinel: The Panthers HAVE TENDERED QUALIFYING OFFERS [a 10 percent increase of last season's salary] to restricted free agent forwards David Booth and David Brine. In Booth's case, obviously it's just a formality, as he's set to get a considerable raise from the $625,000 he made last season. The Panthers needed to officially tender Booth an offer, however, to continue negotiating his long-term deal. If they didn't, they'd lose his rights following the NHL's 5 p.m. deadline today to tender RFAs. Sexton said he talked to Booth's agent again today. He wouldn't not say whether the difference between the two sides is salary or length of contract. More to come this evening.