Sam Bennett Extension Talks Broke Down; 2 Leading Suitors in Free Agency

Aside from Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner, one of the biggest names still without a contract extension heading into a potential UFA summer is Stanley Cup champion Sam Bennett. The Florida Panthers' two-way, physical center is having another tremendous season, on pace for a career-high in points.

He is, without a doubt, one of the Panthers' most important players, especially when it comes to the intensity of the playoffs. But contract talks don't seem to be at the point where an extension is in the offing anytime soon. In fact, insider Andy Strickland says a deal was close at one point, but the talks broke down.

Andy Strickland:

“I had heard that Sam Bennett and Florida were close to an extension and then it didn’t get done”

- Cam and Strick
— John Puck (@johnpuck1992) February 26, 2025

“I had heard that Sam Bennett and Florida were close to an extension and then it didn’t get done."

Bennett is wrapping up a 4-year deal with a $4.25 million AAV. After his strong play of the past four seasons, including his last two incredible playoff runs that featured 29 points in 39 games plus a compete level that is unsurpassed, he could be in line for something in the neighborhood of an $8M AAV on his next deal.

Insider Nick Kypreos has wondered if "the price he may get on the open market as an unrestricted free agent this summer, doesn't align with where they think they can pay him".

With Matthew Tkachuk's long-term injury, it's doubtful that the Panthers will trade Bennett before the deadline next week, as they'll need him to make a push to defend their title. But when July 1 rolls around? That's another story.

With that, let's look at two teams that make a ton of sense to pursue Bennett:

Toronto Maple Leafs

Current Leafs GM Brad Treliving knew what he was bargaining for when, shortly after taking over the reins as Calgary Flames GM in April of 2014, he drafted Bennett with the 4th overall selection in the 2014 NHL Draft, the first-ever draft pick Treliving was responsible for as an NHL GM.

His first few seasons, Bennett was getting acclimated to the league, and though was a good player, was nowhere near the difference-maker he is now. 10+ years after that draft pick, Treliving has a chance to realize what he'd envisioned, as Bennett would provide the Leafs with exactly the type of player they lack, and so desperately need. A center who's known for his heart & soul, disruptive, physical play, while also being a solid offensive contributor and a playoff beast.

And let's not forget the 4 Nations Face-Off—small sample size, of course—where we saw at least on one occasion what he can do with Mitch Marner feeding him spectacular passes like this:

Bennett is also from the Toronto area, as is Marner (who will likely be an unrestricted free agent himself this coming summer).

Montreal Canadiens

Staying with the 4 Nations experience, Bennett got a taste of what it would mean to play meaningful games in the Bell Centre. He was absolutely blown away by the atmosphere there.

Sam Bennett mentions that the atmosphere Saturday night in Montreal was something he never experienced in his life.

Truly special when you take into account this guy played a game 7 Stanley cup final at home just couple months ago.

Bell Center is something else.
— William Leblanc (@xwleblancx) February 18, 2025