As the Florida Panthers prepare for their third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, the spotlight isn’t just on the ice, but also on the looming decisions that will shape the franchise’s future. Among the most talked-about storylines this offseason is the fate of Sam Bennett, a key contributor whose gritty play and playoff heroics have made him one of the most coveted names set to hit free agency. With his contract expiring and his reputation soaring after another deep postseason run, Bennett’s next move has become a hot topic among hockey insiders and fans alike.

Speculation has swirled about which team might secure his services, with rumors of lucrative offers and the allure of new opportunities. However, recent insights from top NHL insiders suggest that the Panthers themselves may be in the best position to retain their versatile forward. As teams across the league weigh their options and prepare their pitches, Bennett’s decision will likely hinge on a mix of financial incentives, team success, and personal preference. The outcome could have major implications not only for the Panthers’ roster but for the entire NHL landscape this summer.

Photo credit: Florida Hockey Now

Sam Bennett is going to be a prized free agent pickup for a team this off-season, and now the league’s top insider has revealed the front runner to land him.

The Florida Panthers are headed to their third straight Stanley Cup Finals with the intention of winning back-to-back Cups, and while that’s where their focus will be this week, after the Finals, they’ve got some huge decisions to make.

The biggest will be on two key free agents, Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, with the latter coming off a stellar five years with the team that has allowed him to see plenty of success both as a team and individually.

With Mitch Marner the only name bigger in free agency this summer however, he’s expected to get paid in a big way, with some predictions even reporting that his next deal could go as high as $10 million annually, despite a regular season career high of just 50 points.

That value comes from immense production during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and no one knows that better than his current team, who, according to Elliotte Friedman, are the front runners to land his signature this summer.

This comes after reports that the Maple Leafs may look to offer the Ontario born Bennett the biggest contract in free agency, but with the nice weather and consistent playoff success, it’s no surprise that he prefers to stay with the Panthers.

Ultimately, there could be many different ways that Bennett’s free agency plays out, with the veteran forward looking to get paid but also looking to remain with a contender, and given the Panthers solid salary cap situation, it makes sense for the two parties to remain together moving forward.