Elliotte Friedman offers insider scoop on what Sam Bennett could demand in NHL free agency
Sam Bennett hints at staying with Panthers as Elliotte Friedman reveals potential contract details (Getty Images)
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett may not have signed the dotted line yet, but he left little to the imagination when it comes to his NHL future. During the team's wild Stanley Cup celebration at Miami's E11EVEN nightclub, the 2024 Conn Smythe Trophy winner grabbed the mic and made his intentions crystal clear in a crowd-pumping moment that quickly made headlines: 'I ain't F---ng leaving!'
Elliotte Friedman teases Sam Bennett's possible price tag ahead of NHL free agency frenzy
The explosive declaration came just over a week before Bennett is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, pending any pre-deadline contract extension with Florida.
Though the veteran center sounded confident and committed, the reality is that no agreement has been made official yet.
Bennett's agent, Darren Ferris, quickly addressed the rumors, clarifying, 'At this time, no contract has been signed. When there's something official, we'll share it accordingly.' That statement did little to quiet the buzz but confirmed that fans will have to wait a bit longer for pen to meet paper.
Still, signs point to a likely reunion. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, discussions are heating up between Bennett's camp and the Panthers. Speaking on SN 590, Friedman reported that negotiations are centering around a long-term extension in the $7.5 to $8 million average annual value (AAV) range.
Adding to his analysis in his 32 Thoughts column, Friedman wrote, 'As the sun rose, everyone was pumping the brakes on Bennett extension talk, warning not to take such liquified announcements too seriously.
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It's hard to believe he'd make such a bold proclamation without knowing where this was going, but nothing's done until it is done.'
What's reassuring for Panthers fans is that General Manager Bill Zito seems determined to retain his top stars. During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Zito emphasized, 'We're going to spend to the cap… The Viola family ownership has empowered us to try to do everything we can to have the best team we can.
So we're going to spend it all.'
That statement aligns with Florida's goal of keeping its core intact — not just Bennett, but also other high-profile free agents like Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad.
As July 1 approaches, the expectation is clear: Sam Bennett wants to stay, the Panthers want him back, and all that's left is turning intent into ink.
Also Read:
Contract extension on the cards? Sam Bennett drops major hint on staying with Panthers after playoff success
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