The NHL trade rumor mill has been in overdrive this spring, and one name that consistently pops up is Sam Bennett. With the gritty forward set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs have been eagerly circling. However, for those hoping to see Bennett in a new jersey next season, you might want to temper your expectations. It appears the love affair between Bennett and the Florida Panthers is destined to continue.
The Buzz Around Bennett’s Future
According to a report from NHL insider James Mirtle of The Athletic, the prevailing belief around the league is that Sam Bennett won’t be on the open market for long. Mirtle’s sources indicate a strong mutual desire between Bennett and the Panthers to get a deal done. This sentiment has only grown stronger with each passing game of the Stanley Cup Final, where Bennett has been an absolute force.
The speculation on his next contract is where things get interesting. Mirtle suggests that an annual average value (AAV) of $8 million could be the starting point to keep the versatile center in South Florida. Given his stellar playoff performance, it’s a number that feels not just possible, but probable.
My Take on the Sam Bennett Situation
From where I’m sitting, the idea of the Panthers letting Bennett walk seems highly improbable. He’s a leading candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, a testament to his impact on this team’s success. Players who embody the heart and soul of a championship-caliber team are rarely allowed to simply depart, and I don’t see Bennett pricing himself out of a situation where he has clearly thrived.
Should the unthinkable happen and Bennett hits the open market, there’s a strong belief that a bidding war could push his AAV to a staggering $9-10 million. A team desperate for a playoff performer with his unique blend of skill and sandpaper would likely pay a premium.
However, any general manager willing to shell out that kind of money on a long-term deal for Bennett is taking a calculated risk. Bennett will turn 29 on June 20th, which, in a poetic twist of fate, would be the day of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. While many players excel into their 30s, Bennett’s high-octane, physically demanding style of play doesn’t always age gracefully. The wear and tear on his body could make the back half of a long-term, big-money contract a potential albatross. The question isn’t whether he’s worth it now, but whether he’ll be worth it in five or six years. That’s the tightrope the Panthers’ front office is walking right now.
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