Panthers star Sam Bennett reportedly close to finalizing future plans ahead of 2025 NHL free agency
As the Florida Panthers battle the Edmonton Oilers in a tightly contested Stanley Cup Final, a pivotal off-ice storyline is quietly gaining momentum. Forward Sam Bennett, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024–25 NHL season, could soon be committing his future to the Panthers.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Florida Panthers could lock in Sam Bennett as decision on potential extension nears
With the Stanley Cup series currently tied 2-2, Bennett's on-ice impact has been impossible to ignore. His aggressive style, playoff grit, and clutch performances have elevated his importance in the Panthers' quest for the franchise's first title. But beyond this championship push, Florida's front office is also facing a crucial offseason decision—whether to extend one of their core players before he hits unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2025.
According to NHL Network insider David Pagnotta, the Panthers are already making significant progress in keeping Bennett around. 'Sam Bennett is pretty much locked in to stay in Florida; deal around 8×8 being discussed,' Pagnotta revealed, suggesting an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8 million is on the table.
This development comes at a time when Florida is navigating a major shift in its roster, particularly with the expected departure of veteran Brad Marchand.
Losing Marchand would make retaining Bennett even more essential, especially with the franchise building toward sustained contention.
The good news for Panthers fans? Both parties are on the same page. Bennett is reportedly keen on staying in Florida, and the team views him as an integral part of its future core. That mutual interest has helped keep negotiations smooth, despite a few underlying complications.
However, the looming challenge remains the NHL's tight salary cap, which continues to constrain team flexibility across the league.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
While Florida might not be able to offer a deal that competes with what Bennett could fetch in the open market, the relationship between player and franchise could tip the scale in the Panthers' favor.
As the focus remains on the Stanley Cup Final for now, the prospect of locking in Sam Bennett long-term only adds to the optimism surrounding this Panthers team. Whether hoisting a trophy this season or not, keeping Bennett would be a major win for the franchise's future.
Also Read:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Get this shit the f**k off my Screen!': NHL fans rip Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's screen time during Stanley Cup final
Photo byThursday night's Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final was supposed to be all about the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. But when pop icon Taylor Swift and her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce showed up at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the spotlight quickly shifted. With the couple shown multiple times on the broadcast—including right after a key Panthers goal—viewers grew increasingly irritated. For many NHL fans, the constant celebrity focus felt like a distraction from the high-stakes hockey on the ice, and social media backlash followed swiftly. 'Football was enough'—NHL fans snap as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce hijack Game 4 spotlight When Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk scored a power play goal during the game, TNT's cameras immediately cut to Swift and Kelce in the crowd. Taylor Swift was seen celebrating, while Travis Kelce high-fived a nearby fan. The timing of the shot—and the repeated cutaways that followed—sparked a wave of frustration from fans watching at home. 'First goal in a Stanley cup game and the first thing you pan to is TAYLOR SWIFT IN THE CROWD??? Get this shit the F*******K off my screen,' one furious viewer ranted online, capturing the sheer frustration felt by fans who tuned in for playoff intensity—not pop culture cameos. 'Every other scene is either a Florida goal or Taylor on TV,' another fan posted, pointing out how frequently the camera kept returning to the couple—even during crucial game moments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The couple was even seen spending time with hockey royalty—Wayne Gretzky—which only added to their screen presence. Earlier in the evening, a helicopter was spotted flying above the arena before puck drop. According to a report by WPTV-5, it hinted that a high-profile guest might be in attendance. But few expected Swift and Kelce to dominate the visuals throughout the night. 'Get her away from the game,' one hockey fan posted online, clearly tired of the off-ice distractions. Some viewers, especially in Canada, were even more direct in their criticisms—calling out Sportsnet for what they felt was excessive coverage of celebrities rather than the action on the rink. 'Sportsnet, do you actually think NHL fans want to see these two overexposed celebrities?' a viewer wrote. 'Football was enough, now As Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce dominated the broadcast, NHL fans called for more hockey, less Hollywood The Stanley Cup Final is the biggest stage in hockey, and for many fans, it's sacred. While celebrity appearances aren't unusual in sports, Thursday night's coverage crossed a line for viewers who felt the game was being upstaged by off-ice star power. As social media lit up with complaints, the message was loud and clear: fans came to see goals, hits, and saves—not Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on repeat. Also Read: NHL MVP Showdown: Nikita Kucherov, Leon Draisaitl, and Connor Hellebuyck clash for 2025 Hart Trophy ahead of Game 4
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'Goalies are such weirdos': Fans react as NHL goalie chaos in Stanley Cup warm-ups goes viral
NHL fans are going wild over the viral video of Calvin Pickard and Vitek Vanecek's goalie faceoff before Game 4. Calvin Pickard not only appeared at Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final to serve as a backup for Edmonton Oilers starter Stuart Skinner—he also swiped the internet for attention during warm-ups with his side-splitting, memeable exchange that had NHL fans laughing hard. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now NHL fans welcome the strangest brotherhood in sports In a moment shared far and wide on social media, Calvin Pickard slid over to Florida Panthers backup Vitek Vanecek, who stood motionless like a statue at center ice. Calvin Pickard, noticing the peculiar immobility, nonchalantly asked Vitek Vanecek if he'd like to stretch along with him. The reaction? A chilly, wordless rejection, and Calvin Pickard skates away with equal deadpan enthusiasm. The video went viral immediately. NHL goalies have always been perceived as a unique lot—serious, quirky, and sometimes unintentionally comedic. And then this pregame moment between Calvin Pickard and Vitek Vanecek just made that reputation for oddness grow. Corey Perry Warmup Routine Reddit exploded with comments from amused viewers. One commenter summed up the mood best: 'Goalies are such weirdos. I love it.' 'This made me laugh so hard during Pickard's post-game interview. What an adorable dork,' another said. Speculation regarding the interaction abounded online, with some speculating that Vanecek's statue-like demeanor was not necessarily an awkward energy. 'Do you think they are shit talking or just trying to get in their head, or just talking like buddies,' one Reddit user said to which someone replied, 'Stolarz did this last year to get in Skinners head. They must have felt it worked, and now their new backup is doing the same. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It is intentional.' Fans also couldn't help but catch the dysfunctional Panther growl sound playing in the arena background of the video. "The panther growl in the background kills me," one user typed, adding to the levels of humor that made the moment almost scripted. And yet, amidst all the humor, there was a current of appreciation for hockey's most eccentric position. 'Goalies are a different breed!' one fan said. Also read: Although Stuart Skinner did not survive past the first period of Game 4, maybe the real mental game was already afoot before the puck was dropped—with Vanecek playing chess and Pickard merely attempting to stretch. Either way, the odd pregame ritual reminded everyone of one thing: goalies aren't merely players—they're a show in themselves.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
How Evan Bouchard became Edmonton Oilers' defensive cornerstone in the NHL
Evan Bouchard (via Getty Images) There aren't many players who stand out in the hockey universe. Evan Bouchard is one of those promising young athletes. The Edmonton Oilers' 25-year-old defenseman's NHL development as a trustworthy young blue-liner has arrived in the nick of time for the Edmonton Oilers. Evan Bouchard brings measured composure with attack confidence, reshaping the Edmonton Oilers' brand in the fast-paced, high-scoring NHL of the present. Evan Bouchard's transformation into an Edmonton Oilers' star NHL player At only his mid-20s, Evan Bouchard has emerged as a seasoned professional hockey player. Evan Bouchard was born on October 20, 1999, and his career began in Oakville, Ontario, where he made it to the junior level with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. There, his vision and play had him as one of the elite defensemen from his early days. Having been selected 10th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2018 NHL Draft, Evan Bouchard bounced back and forth between the NHL and the American Hockey League's Bakersfield Condors. It was time well invested. By the 2022–2023 season, Evan Bouchard was a full-time member of Edmonton's defense corps. RAW | Evan Bouchard 06.08.25 During the campaign, he gained over 40 points during the regular season and had some crucial assists during the playoffs to propel the Edmonton Oilers far into the playoffs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest in SALIK shares today and be part of the city's growth سالك Learn More Undo His puck-puck passing out of the zone and composure under duress were instrumental aspects. To have a defensive rock in Bouchard on a roster with franchise players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl adds depth and balance. Contract talks have already begun in progress, with insiders looking for the Edmonton Oilers to make a long-term attempt at signing Bouchard. How he's going, it's not hard to see him as an alternate captain, let alone a finalist for the Norris Trophy in the future. Also read: 'I've fallen in love with the guy': Former Maple Leafs star Jeff O'Neill praises Evan Bouchard Evan Bouchard's story shows how development, patience, and serendipity can forge a star. As the Edmonton Oilers hunt down their always-volatile Stanley Cup, the young defenseman will be included in every decision they make, on and off the ice.
