Even as Sam Bennett and the Florida Panthers stand on the precipice of potential back-to-back Stanley Cup glory, the undercurrent of impending free agency is already beginning to ripple through the NHL landscape. A pivotal figure in the Panthers’ sustained success, particularly during their recent deep playoff excursions, Bennett has carved out a reputation as an invaluable playoff performer—a gritty, productive forward who thrives when the stakes are highest. His blend of tenacity, skill, and timely scoring has made him a cornerstone of Florida’s formidable lineup as they once again battle for hockey’s ultimate prize.

Yet, despite his integral role in Sunrise, the summer of 2024 looms large, with Bennett poised to become one of the most sought-after unrestricted free agents on the market. While the Panthers will undoubtedly make a strong push to retain their impactful center, whispers and reports have begun to surface, suggesting a compelling alternative destination is very much in play. Indeed, recent speculation indicates that Bennett’s decision may boil down to a fascinating choice, potentially involving the powerful allure of returning to his roots with a specific Canadian NHL powerhouse, setting the stage for a significant offseason storyline regardless of the Stanley Cup Final’s outcome.

Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers.

Photo credit: The Fourth Period

Sam Bennett is chasing his second straight Stanley Cup, but this summer, he’s left the door open to the possibility of signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Florida Panthers are headed to the Stanley Cup Finals for the third straight season, and whether or not they finish of back-to-back Cup wins, they’ve got some huge free agency decisions to make this off-season.

Perhaps the biggest piece that could be on the way out of Florida is star forward Sam Bennett, who has made a major impact with the Panthers over the past three playoff runs, as he has become invaluable to the success of this organization.

However, it appears that Bennett may be set to depart the team in the summer as a free agent, and according to a recent report, he’s narrowed his search down to just two potential destinations.

On the Sekeres and Price Show, it was revealed that for Bennett, free agency is a decision between returning to Florida and playing with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, and given that both teams have plenty of salary cap room, it could come down to a major decision for Bennett.

Thus far in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Bennett has been the type of player that Toronto covet, tallying 10 goals and 16 points in 17 games played with a +2 differential in that time, and given how physical he is in the biggest moments, Toronto would do well to land the 28-year old.

It’s not going to be cheap however, but if Toronto let Mitch Marner walk in free agency, they may be prepared to offer Bennett more money than anyone in the off-season, so now, we simply have to wait and see where the star forward ends up.