As the Florida Panthers battle through the intensity of the Stanley Cup Finals, the spotlight has unexpectedly shifted from the ice to the negotiating table. While fans are focused on every shift and shot, a storm of speculation is swirling around the future of star center Sam Bennett.

With free agency looming and Bennett’s postseason heroics on full display, rumors are gaining momentum that his days in Florida may be numbered. Despite the Panthers’ status as favorites to re-sign him, recent reports suggest that contract talks have stalled, opening the door for rival teams to swoop in with massive offers.

The buzz around the league is only growing louder, fueled by insider whispers of a potential $10 million-per-year deal waiting for Bennett on the open market. As the Panthers chase championship glory, uncertainty about Bennett’s next move threatens to overshadow their playoff run, leaving fans and analysts alike bracing for what could become one of the most dramatic off-season storylines in recent NHL history.

Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

The Florida Panthers may appear to be the favourite to retain Sam Bennett, but now a recent update has revealed he may indeed depart for a much higher salary.

After a hard-fought matchup in Game 1, the Florida Panthers are now down 1-0 in their Stanley Cup Finals series with the Edmonton Oilers, and while that remains the focus, some have begun speculation into the summer over the Panthers future.

Recent reports have revealed that the Panthers are the favourites to retain free agent Sam Bennett this summer, but now, Pierre LeBrun speculates that a massive deal may lure him away.

According to LeBrun, the two sides haven’t yet come close in their negotiations, and as a result, one of the NHL’s top insiders continues to believe that he could get almost $10 million a season on the free agency market.

LeBrun doesn’t name the teams that he believes could give Bennett $10 million per season, but believes there are multiple out there that could do it, and unless the Panthers can budge a little on their asking price for Bennett, there’s a genuine chance that he leaves the team after five seasons.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, Bennett has tallied an incredible 12 goals and 18 points in 18 games played, and given the grit, the physicality and the intimidation that he brings to a lineup, contenders would be silly not to offer him a big money deal.

Whether that big offer gets to $10 million a season or not, only time will tell, but for now, Pierre LeBrun seems to think that offer is out there, and if it is, it’s hard to see him returning to Florida, even if they can claim back-to-back Stanley Cups.