Sam Bennett's future with the Panthers hangs in the balance despite coach's sarcastic free agency warning
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has been on fire this postseason—scoring 14 goals and tallying 20 points in just 20 games. His red-hot form has elevated him to the NHL's top spot in playoff goals this year, helping the Panthers dominate the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers.
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But amid all the on-ice success, one question lingers: will Bennett remain with the Panthers next season?
Paul Maurice jokes about Bennett's free agency, but is there more beneath the surface?
As contract speculation continues to swirl, head coach Paul Maurice chose humor over panic. 'He's got a horrible attitude. I think he's got bubonic plague,' Maurice said in jest during Game 3. 'He's got a whole bunch of things. We're not sure he can be cured.' While these quips made headlines for their comic relief, they also hinted at something deeper—confidence.
Why such light-heartedness about possibly losing a core playoff performer? According to insider James Mirtle, 'Nobody around the league expects Sam Bennett to reach free agency; he wants to stay, and the Panthers want to keep him.' That likely explains Maurice's relaxed tone and suggests that negotiations, although not finalized, are progressing behind the scenes.
Contract talks ongoing, but salary cap concerns may create tension
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman previously noted that Bennett and the Panthers have been discussing a potential extension since at least March.
'It's been a very good marriage between player and team,' Friedman said. However, nothing is set in stone. With multiple big names like Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand also due for new deals, Florida's salary cap space may only allow the team to retain two of the three stars.
And that's not the only issue. Former NHLer Paul Bissonnette chimed in on X, saying, 'I find it weird though that some people… think Sam Bennett making 10 million is insane… He's leading the NHL in playoff goals.' The market may drive up Bennett's value, especially considering the shortage of top-tier centers in this year's free agent pool.
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So while the Panthers and Bennett appear to be on the same page, the financial puzzle may yet complicate what has otherwise been a seamless fit.
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