You’d think the upcoming Stanley Cup Finals will be where the ongoing excitement finally subsides. But you’d only prove your ignorance. With the culmination of the 2024-25 hockey season, the race to build rosters for the next season will begin immediately. And with his contract expiring this summer, Sam Bennett seems to be at the eye of the storm.
In 2021, Bennett signed a $17,700,000 4-year-long contract with the Florida Panthers. However, now an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA), the Canadian hockey center could be on the radar for every one of the Cats’ opponents ahead of the 2025-26 season. In recent days, rumors of Sam Bennett’s possible move to the Toronto Maple Leafs have gained momentum, a sentiment that was reiterated by Paul Bissonnette just days ago. However, as a new twist to the tale emerges, fans can’t help but underscore how this was always on the table.
A post by NHL Rumour Report on X from June 1 claims that The Fourth Period‘s David Pagnotta has an inside scoop on Sam Bennett’s situation. “David Pagnotta: Sam Bennett’s preference is to stay in Florida,” reads the caption of the social media update. While speculation about Sam moving to Toronto was rife, NHL insider John Shannon never backed off from his position that the Panthers could still wriggle out a special deal with the hockey star in hopes of continuing their emphatic collaboration.
“Don’t waste your time…He’s not going to market the way other free agents do. He’ll either be a Panther or a Maple Leaf,” Shannon said just a few days ago how the options are limited for Sam Bennett. However, it seems like the fans weren’t surprised by the new development at all.
David Pagnotta: Sam Bennett’s preference is to stay in Florida – The Fourth Period
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 2, 2025
“Isn’t this obvious?” one fan instead sounded baffled that anyone even entertained the thought that Bennett could be leaving Miami, especially since the Pathers have enough cap space and an offensive line that perfectly complements the star’s play style.
The story is developing
The post Sam Bennett’s Possible Decision on Florida Panthers Future Leaves Fans Unsurprised: “Isn’t This Obvious?” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
