Where Will Sam Bennett Play Next Season? New Bettting Odds Spark Major Buzz
Panthers' Sam Bennett betting odds for next team officially come out with sizeable front runner ahead of the pack
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After another bruising and productive postseason, Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett is gaining attention not just for his on-ice heroics but also for his uncertain future.
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The 28-year-old has been a difference-maker in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, leading the league with 10 goals in 17 games to go with 6 assists, 58 shots, and a whopping 91 hits. He's been instrumental during Florida's Finals run, including a highlight-reel breakaway goal in Game 3 after delivering a thunderous hit to ignite the play.
This follows his 2024 playoff campaign where he produced 7 goals and 7 assists in 19 games during Florida's Cup win.
Over the past two postseasons, Bennett has racked up 17 goals and 13 assists in 36 games while playing a physical, agitating, and clutch brand of hockey. As a pending unrestricted free agent, teams across the league are watching closely—and sportsbooks are already lining up next-team odds for the rugged forward.
Betting Odds: Sam Bennett's Next Team per FanDuel Sportsbook
Florida Panthers –230
Toronto Maple Leafs +500
Vegas Golden Knights +900
Boston Bruins +2200
Los Angeles Kings +2600
Ottawa Senators +2600
Colorado Avalanche +3400
New York Rangers +3400
Vancouver Canucks +3400
New Jersey Devils +3400
Detroit Red Wings +3700
St. Louis Blues +3700
Buffalo Sabres +4500
Anaheim Ducks +4500
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Florida Panthers (–230)
The Panthers are the clear betting favorite to retain Bennett and for good reason. He's a perfect fit for Florida's system with a fast and physical playstyle that works well in Paul Maurice's system and has proven to be successful in the playoffs. He's already racked up a league-best 14 goals this postseason, including five goals over his last four games.
Florida has created a winning culture in a location that's very hard to beat with nice weather all year round and no-state tax that has allowed Bennett to keep more of his money. He's been vital to the success of the Panthers for the last three seasons and will likely be one of the main priorities for management this off-season.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+500)
A homecoming to Toronto is definitely a possibility as the Buds are desperately looking for playoff competitors with Bennett being one of the best in the league. Bennett's grit and playoff prowess could be a massive addition to a Leafs team that has always struggled to close out series due to their stars failing to play at their best when it counts.
The Leafs could also benefit from his versatility as he's able to play center or wing. If Bennett is interested, Toronto will do everything they can to get him as they'll have extra cap space following the likely departure of Mitch Marner.
Vegas Golden Knights (+900)
The Golden Knights have built their identity on being aggressive with acquiring playoff-tested forwards like Bennett. If Vegas doesn't retain all of its current free agents, there could be a roster and cap-space opening for a player with his unique blend of scoring touch and sandpaper that Vegas is known for as well as Florida. His game would mesh well with Bruce Cassidy's system, particularly in heavy matchups.
Boston Bruins (+2200)
Boston has been on the hunt for a gritty forward who thrives in the playoffs and after last season's 33-39-10 record, they'll be looking to make some serious changes to get themselves back into playoff contention.
Bennett fits that bill of a Boston Bruin and could play the Charlie Coyle-style hybrid role up and down the lineup with his ability to play multiple positions. Cap gymnastics may be needed but the Bruins have a winning culture that is always enticing to free agents.
Los Angeles Kings (+2600)
The Kings are an intriguing dark horse. They have young, impactful centers but may look to add more physical edge and depth scoring. Edmonton disposed of LA for the fourth year in a row this postseason and could influence the Kings to try and make a serious move like bringing in Bennett.
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If the Kings are looking to retool, his veteran presence could make sense—especially as a tone-setter on the road.
Ottawa Senators (+2600)
If Ottawa aims to accelerate its rebuild into playoff contention, a forward like Bennett makes sense. He brings experience and edge, and his Ontario roots might play well with fans and local interest. Still, the Sens would likely need to overpay to outbid a win-now contender.
Colorado Avalanche (+3400)
Colorado is a bit of a longshot considering their cap, but Bennett's game has traits the Avs might appreciate, particularly his toughness, versatility, and postseason success.
He could slot in as a utility forward with significantly less pressure as he goes undercover behind their top stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Gabriel Landeskog. Bennett would propel the Avalanche to potentially the best forward group in the NHL but it all depends on financial flexibility.
New York Rangers (+3400)
The Rangers have often lacked grit in the playoffs, and Bennett could help fix that. This season was a turbulent one in New York and they may be looking for a serious shakeup to the roster after closing in on a deal to send longtime Ranger Chris Kreider to the Ducks. Bennett's ability to draw penalties, create chaos, and contribute timely goals could complement New York's elite skill players they already have in Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin.
Vancouver Canucks (+3400)
Vancouver's deep run last season showed they're on the cusp. But after a dramatic season with locker room problems and losing a key player in J.T. Miller, they could be looking to add another big ticket winger that could help the Canucks back into the playoff picture.
Adding a playoff-tested player like Bennett would bring edge and scoring, especially on a team needing consistency from their forward group. The Canucks' cap situation is tight, but if they create space, Bennett could thrive there.
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New Jersey Devils (+3400)
New Jersey is building a dynamic core but could use some grit and playoff experience up front. Bennett could be an anchor on a line with younger talent, helping push the team further in the playoffs.
Detroit Red Wings (+3700)
Detroit's slow but steady progress makes them a sleeper pick for Bennett. The Red Wings lack playoff seasoning as their roster is still very young and bringing in a player of Bennett's caliber could help them into the playoffs after just barely missing out the last two seasons.
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Bennett could be a stabilizing two-way player in their top six, mentoring younger forwards with his playoff experience. Still, Detroit would be required to go all-in for a player like Bennett and they may not have enough cap space to make the move.
St. Louis Blues (+3700)
The Blues had he identity of a gritty, phyical team when they won the Stanley Cup back in 2019 and still today, they work well with forwards like Bennett. His gritty style fits their mold, and he'd be a solid piece in a team on the rise as the Blues are almost complete with their retooling phase. St. Louis may have some big upcoming contracts like keeping Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas for the rest of their careers which may limit the feasibility with the cap.
More NHL: New Jonathan Toews Next Team Betting Odds Revealed With Unexpected Frontrunner
Buffalo Sabres (+4500)
Buffalo is improving, but remains far from playoff contention. GM Kevyn Adams has been vocal about how aggressive the Sabres will be this off-season as their players are begging for a chance to play in meaningful games. Bennett would be a major asset for Buffalo as a locker-room leader, playoff performer and a cornerstone piece for a hopeful contender in the future. The Sabres have cap space, but it's unlikely Bennett would choose a non-contender unless he's paid handsomely.
Anaheim Ducks (+4500)
Anaheim's odds are long for a reason. While Bennett would provide leadership and energy, the Ducks are rebuilding and likely won't be a competitive team in the near term. Like the Sabres, GM Pat Verbeek spoke out about wanting to be agressive this off-season and made the bold proclamation that he wants Anaheim back in the playoffs next season.
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Bennett would be a key player in getting the Ducks back in contention and excel when getting there. He'd also be a solid mentor for a young roster, but it's a fit better suited for a veteran on a long-term deal—something Bennett may not seek.
More NHL: Ducks Nearing Big Splash, Landing Rangers' Chris Krieder in Potential Trade for Top Prospect
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