Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett is completing a four-year, $17.7-million contract.
Eligible for UFA status on July 1, the 28-year-old couldn't have picked a better time for a career season.
Bennett is coming off a career-best 51-point regular season. The versatile, agitating two-way center is also burnishing his reputation as a clutch post-season performer. He's tied with Mikko Rantanen for the lead among playoff goal-scorers with nine, putting himself among the favorites for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Panthers management reportedly reopened contract extension talks with Bennett in March. He could be receptive to staying put, but could seek to double his current $4.425 million average annual value on his next contract. That could make him too expensive for the Panthers to retain.
Bennett would be the best center available if he tests the UFA market, where several clubs will bid for his services.
The Toronto Maple Leafs might be among his suitors. Michael Traikos recently observed that the Leafs will have over $22 million in cap space if they don't re-sign pending UFA forwards Mitch Marner and John Tavares. He recommends they use that cap space to pursue Bennett if he goes to market on July 1, a sentiment shared by Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun.
Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic believes Bennett would be the best UFA option for the St. Louis Blues to address their need for a second-line center. However, the cap-strapped Blues might have to free up some salary, perhaps by placing defenseman Torey Krug on LTIR if his playing days are over.
Rutherford's colleague Kevin Kurz suggested Bennett would make a good free-agent target for the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers. Bolstering their depth at center is a priority this summer, which could lead them to free agency if suitable options aren't available in the trade market. With $26.7 million in projected cap room for 2025-26, they can afford Bennett if he's available on July 1.
Bennett could also be on the Montreal Canadiens' radar. Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazetterecently included the Panthers' star among several UFA options to address the Canadiens' need for a second-line center.
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