Sam Bennett is expected to be a highly sought-after player in the upcoming free agency period after his strong performance with the Florida Panthers, helping them reach their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. Despite the wide speculation, an NHL insider believes only two teams realistically have a chance to sign Bennett once the season concludes.
According to NHL insider John Shannon, Bennett’s options will be limited to just two teams. Shannon stated,
“Don’t waste your time. He’s gonna play in one of two places. He’s gonna play in Toronto or he’s gonna play in Sunrise, Florida. That’s it, that’s his decision. He’s not going to market the way other free agents go to market. He will go and play for the Panthers or the Maple Leafs. We just don’t know which one yet.”
—John Shannon, NHL insider
The Florida Panthers are highly likely to retain Bennett, given his impressive contribution of 196 points in 289 games since his trade from the Calgary Flames. His consistent production and experience helped solidify the Panthers’ effectiveness throughout multiple playoff runs.
The other probable destination is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Being a Canadian, Bennett fits well with the team’s identity, and Toronto has both the financial capability and the motivation to acquire a dependable playoff performer like him. Bennett demonstrated his clutch ability by scoring the game-winning empty-net goal in Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes, effectively sealing the win during a critical moment when the Canes had pulled their goalie in a desperate attempt to tie the game.
Expert Opinion on Bennett’s Potential Salary
NHL insider Paul Bissonnette weighed in on the ongoing debate about how much Bennett might command in free agency. He argues that while some consider a high salary for Bennett excessive, his playoff impact justifies the cost. Bissonnette said,
“I find it weird, though, that some people on this app think Sam Bennett making 10 million is insane and that it’s an overpayment. Are you stupid??? He’s leading the NHL in playoff goals. He’s been a factor in every series. I don’t give a flying f*** what your chart says.”
—Paul Bissonnette, NHL insider
Bissonnette highlights Bennett’s ability to elevate his play during the most important games as a highly valuable asset, which may not always be fully reflected in regular season statistics. His knack for scoring crucial goals in the playoffs marks him as a significant asset to any team aiming for success in the postseason.
As free agency approaches, the decisions made by the Panthers and Maple Leafs regarding Sam Bennett will likely have major implications for their championship aspirations. His potential signing could influence team dynamics and playoff outcomes in the near future, making this one of the more closely watched moves this offseason.