Latest news with #freeagents
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR free agents after 2025 season: Daniel Suarez headlines group
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is ongoing with the best drivers in the sport focused on competing for this year's championship. However, NASCAR silly season is just a few months away and there could be plenty of movement with outstanding racers eligible to hit the open market. Let's dive into the available NASCAR free agents after the 2025 Cup Series season. We've included asterisks for drivers whose contract status is uncertain for 2026, with an attached note to each driver. NASCAR free agents: Upcoming free agents and re-signings Austin Cindric, No. 2, Team Penske Racing Credit: Jason Allen-Imagn Images Austin Cindric signed a multi-year contract with Team Penske in 2023 and the deal for the No. 2 car is expected to expire after this season. Cindric finished 11th in the Cup Series during the 2024 season and he's delivered wins in consecutive seasons. Just as important, Cindric's average finishing position has improved over the last three seasons. He'll be 27 in September and stands out as an obvious candidate for a new contract with Penske. Advertisement Related: NASCAR insider sheds light on Austin Cindric's future with Team Penske Kyle Busch, No. 8, Richard Childress Racing – Extended Through 2026 Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images On May 24, Richard Childress Racing announced a one-year extension with Kyle Busch to drive the No. 8 car through the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. While Busch's winning streak snapped last year and he hasn't won a race for RCR since 2023, one of the best drivers of the modern era is still getting the most out of his car. Richard Childress Racing offers the best opportunity to win, including that elusive victory in the Daytona 500, which made it an easy decision for Busch to stay with RCR in 2026. Advertisement Related: Insider sheds light on Kyle Busch's future with RCR after 2026 Denny Hamlin, No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing* Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images Denny Hamlin's contract status is more uncertain than some of the known top NASCAR free agents this offseason. Hamlin signed a multi-year contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2023, but it's unknown just how long the deal is. Hamlin will be 45 in November, but he is arguably still one of the five best NASCAR drivers right now. If his deal expires after the season, a short-term deal with JGR is likely. It would leave open the possibility of Hamlin ending his career in a few years with 23XI. Advertisement Related: Denny Hamlin credits Kyle Busch for huge development in his career A.J. Allmendinger, No. 16, Kaulig Racing Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images A.J. Allmendinger returned as a full-time Cup Series driver in 2025, reportedly landing a short-term deal with Kaulig Racing for the No. 16 car. He's performed relatively well in 2025, even amid engine blowups, but this very public outburst at Kansas could jeopardize his future with the team. If he can't find a team for 2026, Allmendinger could continue his roller-coaster career cycle with a return to the Xfinity Series. Related: NASCAR schedule for Cup Series, Truck Series and Xfinity Series Christopher Bell, No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing* Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images As with fellow Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin, it's uncertain exactly how much longer Christopher Bell is under contract for the No. 20 car. Before the 2023 season, he signed a 'long-term deal' with JGR that would seemingly open the door to him becoming a free agent after the 2025 campaign. However, Bell won three consecutive races this year and the 30-year-old is a perennial championship threat. There's zero reason to believe, even if he's on an expiring contract, that JGR won't give him a new deal this year. Bubba Wallace, No. 23, 23XI Racing* Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images Bubba Wallace can leave 23XI if NASCAR strips the team of its charter Advertisement Much like teammate Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace becoming one of the top NASCAR free agents after this season means disaster has struck for 23XI Racing. Wallace and Reddick have provisions in their contracts that would allow them to leave for another team if NASCAR strips 23XI of their charters if the team loses its lawsuit against the sport. As long as 23XI has a charter, though, Wallace's improved maturity and a strong supporting cast for the No. 23 car – top-five pit crew and crew chief Charles Denike – make this a perfect fit for him. William Byron, No. 24, Hendrick Motorsports – Extended through 2029 Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images On May 23, Hendrick Motorsports signed driver William Byron to a four-year contract extension through the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The deal ensures that Hendrick Motorsports will have Byron, Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman through the 2026 season. Byron now has one of the longest contracts in the Cup Series, keeping him at Hendrick Motorsports through his age-31 season. Byron remains one of the best NASCAR drivers right now and he gives Hendricks multiple perenial championship contenders. Advertisement Related: NASCAR standings for Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series Tyler Reddick, No. 45, 23XI Racing* Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Tyler Reddick can leave 23XI if NASCAR strips the team of its charter Tyler Reddick has found a home with 23XI, becoming the team's first driver to reach the Championship 4 in 2024. He's been one of the 10 best drivers in NASCAR over the last three years, maximizing the equipment and support staff put around the No. 45 car. If NASCAR were to strip 23XI of its charters, Reddick would instantly become one of the most in-demand racers ahead of his age-30 season. Carson Hocevar, No. 77, Spire Motorsports* Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Similar to Denny Hamlin, Carson Hocevar signed a multi-year deal before the 2024 season with no details available on the specific length of the contract. The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year hasn't won his first race at the highest level yet, but he delivered a 2025 Truck Series victory and is racing closer to the front of the field more consistently in the Cup Series. Hocevar's aggressive driving style hasn't made him popular among fellow drivers, but he's just 22 years old and keeps improving. If his contract expires after the 2025 season, he'll almost certainly be prioritized for a multi-year deal by Spire Motorsports. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88, Trackhouse Racing Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Shane Van Gisbergen received a one-year contract for the 2025 season to drive the No. 88 car in the Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing. The 36-year-old was brought in both for his popularity and his dominance on road courses. He's been a non-factor everywhere else this year, but that's also a reflection on the quality of equipment Trackhouse Racing has put out in 2025. Considering SVG's popularity and the fact that his excellence on road courses at least gives Trackhouse a few shots at an automatic playoff bid, another short-term deal feels very likely after the 2025 season. Daniel Suarez, No. 99, Trackhouse Racing Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Among the top NASCAR free agents following the season, Daniel Suárez might be the likeliest to wind up on a new team next year. Connor Zilisch seems well-positioned to become a full-time Cup Series driver in 2026 and Trackhouse Racing would have the No. 99 car available for him. If that happens, Suarez could find a home with Kaulig Racing next season as Allmendinger's potential replacement for the No. 16 car.
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Out-of-contract XI: A Premier League icon, a former Man United starlet and one of Europe's hottest attacking talents... the stars set to be free agents this summer
The summer transfer window opens early this year with a special 10-day registration period ahead of the Club World Cup, sparking excitement among ever optimistic fans. Deals can be made from Sunday, June 1 before the window slams shut 10 days later - reopening on June 16. With the Premier League 's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) remaining in force next season, sides will be desperate to bolster their squads for as cheap as possible. Manchester United, who missed out on a £100million windfall after losing out on Champions League qualification, are among clubs at risk of PSR breaches and will be looking for bargain deals. Although Trent Alexander-Arnold has already wrapped up a move to Real Madrid, and Kevin De Bruyne, one of the summer's most exciting free agents, appears to be heading to Napoli, a host of players will hit the market when their contracts expire at the end of next month. Some of Europe's hottest attacking talent, an England international and Premier League winners can all be scooped up for free. Mail Sport has put together a starting XI of the best free agents who will become available in the summer. A tearful Fabianski bid farewell to West Ham after seven years of service during the Irons' 3-1 win over Ipswich on the Premier League's final day. The Polish international has been a stalwart of England's top tier since 2007, when he joined Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. He won the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League title in Prague, West Ham's first trophy in 43 years, and kept 55 clean sheets in 216 appearances for the east London side. Despite being 40, the shot-stopper has no interest in retiring and is eyeing a move to another London club - where he could provide some much needed experience or back up. Defender: Sergio Reguilon Reguilon was hot property when Tottenham beat Man United, Chelsea and Everton to land the left-back from Real Madrid in 2020. The Spaniard was named LaLiga's best left-back in the previous season during an impressive loan spell at Sevilla. He spent two seasons at Los Blancos, having been in their academy for a decade, but failed to perform consistently after arriving in north London. The defender was shipped out on loan, first to Atletico Madrid then to long-term admirers Man United, before joining Brentford last season. He has only made four Premier League appearances this season and didn't feature in Spurs' victorious Europa League run. But the former Spain international has an impressive CV, having played for the likes of United, Spurs and both Madrid clubs, and is still just 28. A return to Spain has been touted and he could prove a smart option for any cost-cutting clubs. Defender: Victor Lindelof The Swedish defender has stayed through turbulent times at Old Trafford and featured under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim since joining from Benfica in 2017. In that time he won the FA Cup and League Cup, making 284 appearances, and has been one of the more successful United transfers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Tributes poured in from former team-mates including David de Gea and Juan Mata after Lindelof's departure was confirmed. The centre-back is still only 30 and will be able to offer plenty of Premier League and Champions League experience to which ever club he decides upon. Defender: Michael Keane Keane will be a free agent next month after Everton opted against extending his contract. It means he will leave after eight years and is one of a string of Toffees players who have been moved on ahead of their move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The 12-time England international graduated from Man United's academy before moving to Burnley, where Everton scooped him for £30million. He has been a loyal servant but has seen his game time greatly diminished in favour of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite. Wolves have showed interest in securing his services as well as Saudi Pro League side Al Riyad and FC Dallas. Defender: Nelson Semedo The Wolves star replaced Mario Lemina as captain midway through the season, but is set to leave the Molineux next month. The Portuguese international joined Wolves from Barcelona in 2020, having already lifted two LaLiga titles. He has featured 182 times for the Premier League club but looks in line to move on having filmed a farewell message to supporters earlier this month. His departure comes as a blow to manager Vítor Pereira, who was keen to offer him a contract extension, and the defender will be a catch. Semedo previously revealed former team Benfica were interested in him, having admitted that they will 'always be my club'. But Galatasaray are reportedly frontrunners in the battle to sign him. Midfielder: Thomas Partey Partey is believed to be keen on extending his stay at Arsenal although contract negotiations have not yielded success so far. It means the Ghanaian could leave the Emirates after a five-year spell in north London. He has been a vital part of Arteta's side and impressed since joining for £45m in 2020, albeit without picking up any silverware - bar the 2023 Community Shield. Former club Atletico Madrid have shown interest in re-signing him as well as Barcelona, Juventus and a number of Saudi sides. Midfielder: Angel Gomes The in-demand midfielder is leaving French side Lille after four years, with Premier League clubs reportedly circling. Gomes was called up to England last year by Lee Carsley and made his international debut in a 2-0 win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium He spent 11 years at Man United's academy and in 2017, at just 16 years and 263 days, became the youngest player to represent the Red Devils since Duncan Edwards in 1953. The 24-year-old also became the first player born in the 2000s to appear in the Premier League. He moved to Lille in search of more minutes and after a successful stint is being linked with multiple clubs, including Spurs and West Ham. Midfielder: Christian Eriksen Eriksen has been a mainstay of the Premier League for the past 12 years, having first joined Spurs in 2013. He spent a season at Inter Milan but returned to England with Brentford after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. The Dane featured 107 times for United, scoring eight times, and is leaving Old Trafford after three years. Last year the midfielder snubbed moves to Saudi and American sides and he appears to remain intent on staying in one of Europe's elite leagues. 'Christian is still ambitious and has a lot to give to a bigger league. I can easily see him playing in his home country in the future, but I think for now it will only be for the national team,' his agent recently said. A switch to Spain appears likely, with LaLiga club Mallorca interested. Forward: Leroy Sane Perhaps the most exciting player on the list is former Manchester City star Leroy Sane. The German winger played a vital role in Bayern Munich's Bundesliga win this season, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists. Sane, who spent four trophy-laden years at Manchester City, won two Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola and Arsenal are chasing his signature. And his agent Pini Zahavi has reportedly been speaking with Chelsea and Tottenham over a Premier League return, according to BILD. Sane has bags of Premier League, Champions League and international experience and has reportedly been spending time in London with his wife Candice. Forward: Jonathan David One of Europe's most sought after strikers, David is being circled by a host of the continent's top sides. The red-hot forward scored 25 goals in 48 appearances this season and last month confirmed he would leave in another blow to Lille. David joined Lille from Belgian side Gent in 2020 and has scored 109 goals in 231 games. He won the Ligue 1 title in 2020-21, the club's first triumph in a decade. The 25-year-old has also represented Canada 61 times, bagging 32 goals. Both Aston Villa and Spurs are fighting for his signature, according to L'Equipe, while Napoli and Juventus are also interested. The Canadian has previously hinted that he would prefer a move to Spain. Speaking to the It's Called Soccer podcast, he said: 'I think I can adapt to every league. Every league has its differences. 'The Premier League is a lot faster and more physical than all of the other leagues. But for me, I grew up watching a lot of LaLiga and for me, that would be my preferred league. 'That is the league that I enjoyed watching the most so one day I would like to play there.' Forward: Jamie Vardy Vardy's fairytale at Leicester is swiftly coming to an end with the ex-England star leaving following the club's relegation back to the Championship. The Foxes legend is departing after 13 years in the East Midlands with a Premier League and FA Cup in the trophy cabinet. Although he turns 39 in January, Mail Sport understands Vardy does not plan to call it a day and has expressed belief that he can continue playing beyond his 40th birthday. 20 free agents this summer to keep an eye on Kevin De Bruyne Jonathan David Leroy Sane Thomas Partey Willian Jamie Vardy Christian Eriksen Victor Lindelof Angel Gomes Mario Pasalic Dominic Calvert-Lewin Alexandre Lacazette Olivier Boscagli Sergio Reguilon Callum Wilson Tom Cairney Nelson Semedo Lukasz Fabianski Abdoulaye Doucoure Kyle Walker-Peters The striker had been touted with a stunning move to Wrexham but appears to be uninterested in competing in the second tier. More recently, he has been linked with a shock switch to Spanish side Valencia.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canucks' Upcoming Free Agent Should Be A Target For Sabres This Summer
The Buffalo Sabres have a lot of salary cap space to spend this summer -- and a Vancouver Canucks star should be firmly in the sights of Sabres management. As per Puck Pedia, Buffalo has approximately $23.2-million in cap space this summer. And while it's highly-unlikely the Sabres will land top UFA Mitch Marner, another Canadian market's top UFA could make much more sense for the Sabres -- with the proviso that they're still going to have to pay him well above-market value. We're speaking about Canucks winger Brock Boeser, who earned $6.65-million this past season. Boeser produced 25 goals and 50 points in 75 games with Vancouver this year -- well below his 40-goal, 73-point season with the Canucks in 2023-24. But the 28-year-old is still in his prime, and you'd better believe there will be many teams lining up to secure his services this summer. With that said, how much is Boeser worth? Speculation that his next contract will come in between $8-to-$9-million per year should be sobering for Sabres management. But look at it this way: with the cap ceiling set to rise to $95.5-million next year, teams have to be prepared to outbid opponents to land proven veterans like Boeser. The alternative -- being the runner-up, or being well out of the final teams bidding for Boeser -- is not going to sit well with Sabres fans. At some point, if you can't figure out how to attract free agents to your city, you probably shouldn't be the one in charge of attracting free agents to your city. We've noted before that Buffalo needs to be realistic in their UFA targets. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't try to swing for the fences and set a new tone for a new era. And if that means overpaying for someone like Boeser, the Sabres should be fully ready to pay that price. Who Is A Reasonable Target For Buffalo In Free Agency This Summer? The Buffalo Sabres are heading into the off-season knowing they have some money to spend on free agents -- not as much money as some teams, but right now, they have approximately $21.4 million in salary cap space to use. In this case, that might not mean paying top-dollar (although let's be real here -- it almost certainly will mean paying top-dollar). It could mean tacking on one or two years of contract term that other teams aren't prepared to pay for Boeser. And if Boeser proves to be not worthy of a sixth-or-seventh-season in a new contract, you can look at buying him out in the final season or two of a new contract. That's what big-market teams do all the time, and there should be no unease from Sabres management that they need to step up that way to be a winner when it comes to attracting free agents. It's the cost of doing business in hockey's top league, and it's why Buffalo needs to take an aggressive stance at luring free agents into a Sabres uniform. When you're a team that's missed the playoffs for 14 straight seasons, you have to go a little bit harder than other teams go when it comes to improving your roster. Free agency is only five weeks away, so the Sabres need to get their house in order to appeal to stars like Boeser. Because no Buffalo fan wants to hear excuses anymore. They want results, and they want them now. And if the Sabres can't figure out how to improve -- be it via free-agency or via trades -- there's going to be more bad news on the horizon for this franchise. It's a cold-blooded world out there for teams seeking to improve, and past failures in Buffalo aren't reason enough to justify future failures in Buffalo. Sabres brass has to go the extra mile to attract top players, and nothing less than that extra mile will suffice in efforts to improv this franchise.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Every player released in League One as Reading await verdict on contract offers
As one season ends, another begins and thoughts have already turned to the upcoming opening of the summer transfer window. While the Royals are still awaiting verdicts on any contracts, with 11 first-team regulars offered new deals, many were let go and must forge their careers elsewhere. With the free agent market the preferred market for new owner Rob Couhig, take a look below at every player released from League One to see if the club can pick out any cheap gems for the 2025/26 campaign. (Image: JasonPIX) Barnsley: Josh Benson; Theo Chapman; Sam Cosgrove; Josiah Dyer; Adam Hayton; Charlie Hickingbottom; Nathan James; Jonathan Lewis; Jean Claude Makiessi; Aiden Marsh; Conor McCarthy; Emmaisa Nzondo; Donovan Pines; Hayden Pickard; Callum West; Geoffrey Lundoloki; Elliott Probert; Kallum Reid; Maxwell Swift; William Thompson; Malachi Tommy-Mbogba; Owen Warburton. Blackpool: Mackenzie Chapman; Jake Daniels; Kwaku Donkor; Jordan Gabriel; Tyler Hill; Jaden Jones; Alex Lankshear; Jack Moore; Oliver Norburn; Richard O'Donnell; Josh Onomah; Jordan Rhodes. New contract: Jake Beesley; Harvey Bardsley (Image: Jessica Hornby) Bolton Wanderers: Ricardo Almeida Santos; Nathan Baxter; Joel Coleman; Gethin Jones; Ben Andreucci; Trevon Bryan; Harrison Fleury; Noah Halford; Ellis Litherland-Riding; Luke Matheson; Joseph Toole; Yestin Shakespear; James Westwood; George Barlow Bradford City: Callum Johnson; Gabe Wadsworth; Jamie Walker; Romoney Crichlow; Sam Stubbs; Vadaine Oliver Burton Albion: Anthony Forde; Mason Bennett; Jack Stretton; Cameron Gilbert; Toby Oakes; Dylan Scott Doncaster Rovers: Freddie Allen; Jack Degruchy; Jack Goodman; Tavonga Kuleya; Jacob Bacon; Jaiden Campbell-Ryce; Kenzie Dillon; Kenneth Imariagbe; Oliver Piekarski; Charlie Thompson; Jamie Tomlinson Exeter City: Cheick Diabate; Vincent Harper; Ben Purrington; Angus MacDonald; Shaun MacDonald; Mitch Beardmore; Gabe Billington; Max Edgecombe Huddersfield Town: Jonathan Hogg; Loick Ayina; Conor Falls; Scott High; Josh Koroma; Tom Lees; Matty Pearson; Josh Ruffels; Ollie Turton; Danny Ward; Anthony Gregory; Danny Isaac; Donnell Garrick; Oliver Riva; Zak Abbott; Fope Deru; Cian Philpott; Michael Stone Lincoln City: Jay Benn; Sam Clucas; Ali Smith; Tyler Walker Luton Town: Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu; Amari'i Bell; Victor Moses; Tim Krul; Jameson Horlick; Dion Pereira; Jack Bateson; Dominic Dos Santos Martins; Tyrell Giwa; Axel Piesold; Charlie Emery; Isaiah Harvey; Cai Hockey; Matthew Takawira Mansfield Town: Hiram Boateng; Aden Flint; Alfie Kilgour; Calum Macdonald; Tom Nichols; Christy Pym; Ben Quinn; Stephen Quinn; George Williams (Image: Gary Oakley) Northampton Town: Tyler Magloire; Jack Sowerby; James Wilson; Nik Tzanev; Ali Koiki; Liam McCarron; Harvey Lintott; Akin Odimayo; Will Hondermarck; TJ Eyoma; Reuben Wyatt. New contracts: Neo Dobson; Matty Ireland Peterborough United: David Ajiboye; Kabongo Tshimanga; Hector Kyprianou; Tyler Young; Ma'Kel Campbell; Justin Osagie; Jenson Sumnall; Aaron Powell; Ignas Sakalas; Tom Unwin; George Holley; Max Beech; Luke Gilbert Port Vale: Nathan Smith; Tom Sang; Ethan Chislett; Rekeem Harper; Jason Lowe; Andrew Buah; Dan Jones; Diamond Edwards Plymouth Argyle: Ben Waine; Saxon Earley; Will Jenkins Davies; Josh Bernard Reading: Adrian Akande; Coniah Boyce-Clarke; David Button; Tom Carroll; Harlee Dean; Louie Holzman; Jack Senga-Ngoyi; Charlie Wellens; Verrell George; James Sharlott; Kai Source (Image: JasonPIX) Rotherham United: Andre Green; Alex MacDonald; Dillon Phillips; Jake Hull Stevenage: Kyle Edwards; Jake Forster-Caskey; David Hicks; Kane Smith Stockport County: Cody Johnson; Kyle Knoyle Wigan Athletic: Scott Smith; Andy Lonergan; Jack Bates; Finn O'Boyle; Jack Reilly; Oscar Harris; Lewis Wilson; Oliver Fairhurst; Alastair Clifford Wycombe Wanderers: Taylor Clark; Brandon Hanlan; Beryly Lubala; Franco Ravizzoli; Adam Reach; Kieran Sadlier; Sam Vokes; Christie Ward; Luca Woodhouse; Jack Young
National Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Canucks: Why Vancouver is now a harder sell to lure NHL free agents
Article content Signing free agents here is a challenge — with tax structure, travel, and even lack of a proper practice facility. Guentzel chose Tampa Bay and Reinhart remained in Florida with the state's no-tax advantage, while Toffoli chose San Jose. Article content While the Canucks' primary target is to land a centre through a trade — especially with the 15th overall selection in the 2025 Draft to dangle, along with a roster player and prospect — but they also need a top-six winger. Article content They struggled to score this season with a 23rd overall ranking — despite free agent Pius Suter and Kiefer Sherwood reaching new highs with 25 and 19 goals respectively — and it raises the question, 'Who is going to score?' Article content Can Pettersson rebound from 15 goals? Can Conor Garland hit 25? Will Nils Hoglander and Dakota Joshua improve dramatically from eight and seven goals respectively? Article content Landing credible support for Pettersson and Filip Chytil via a trade isn't easy. In a world of no-trade lists, no-movement clauses and franchise unrest, it's fair to ask who wants to come to Vancouver? Article content Article content You would love to hear that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, 28 — who has four-consecutive 30-goal seasons and is fed up with nine-straight no-playoff years — wants a change of scenery. If he really wants out, and doesn't have Vancouver on his 10-team, no-go list, you give the Red Wings whatever they want. Article content The Canucks would get a true No. 1 centre with an $8.7-million annual salary cap hit for the next six seasons. And with the cap ceiling rising from $88 million to $95.5 million, $104 million and $113.5 million over the next three years, his contract would age well. Larkin was also a world hockey championship teammate and roommate of Hughes and they have trained together. Article content A prime UFA target is Panthers pivot Sam Bennett, 28, but he may not check out of Florida because he tops the club's re-sign list. The Ontario product leads the Panthers in post-season scoring with 10 points (7-3) in 13 games after hitting a career high with 51 points (25-26) in 76 games. Article content Article content Bennett will get a big bump on his expiring $4.25-million cap hit because he is hard to play against and a menace on the forecheck. He's second overall in playoff hits (68). projects a six-year extension at $6.67 million per season, but it could go higher in a bidding war. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
