As the NHL offseason draws near and the free agency frenzy begins to heat up, speculation has been swirling around one of the league’s most dynamic centers: Sam Bennett. With his gritty play, scoring touch, and relentless energy, Bennett has become a key figure for the Florida Panthers and a coveted target for teams seeking a competitive edge.

Among those teams, the Montreal Canadiens have been at the forefront of rumors, with fans and analysts alike envisioning Bennett as the perfect addition to their roster. The excitement has only grown as Bennett’s postseason heroics have captured headlines, further fueling dreams of a blockbuster move north.

Yet, just as anticipation reaches a fever pitch, a new twist in the story has emerged. In a recent press conference, Bennett addressed the swirling rumors and speculation about his future, delivering a message that caught many by surprise. His remarks have sent ripples throughout the league, prompting a reassessment of what the summer might hold for both Bennett and the teams vying for his services. As the countdown to free agency continues, all eyes remain fixed on the Panthers’ star forward, waiting to see whether his next chapter will unfold in familiar territory—or somewhere entirely unexpected.

Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

For the past few weeks, the developments regarding Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens’ interest in Sam Bennett have been quite clear.

Bennett literally represents everything the Canadiens need, and on top of that, he’s a second-line center.

In short, while many fans and experts continue to dream about Bennett, we can probably forget about that now.

Asked about the matter during a press conference, the Panthers forward delivered a surprising message to Kent Hughes and other general managers interested in signing him: his goal is to stay in Florida.

That’s quite unexpected, as it weakens his negotiating power and could slightly lower his value-but hey, no one can accuse him of lacking transparency.

Sam Bennett has a message for teams hoping to sign him this summer: he wants to stay with the Florida Panthers

There had already been reports suggesting this, but it’s interesting to hear him say it and confirm it so clearly.

David Pagnotta: “Sam Bennett’s preference is to stay in Florida” – The Fourth Period

So we can probably officially move on!

Bennett, 28, has recorded 19 points in 19 games – 13 of them goals – during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

He even made NHL history, breaking the record for most road playoff goals in a single postseason with 12.

This season, he notched 51 points in 76 games with the Panthers, along with 90 penalty minutes.

Acquired from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Emil Heineman and a second-round pick in the 2021 draft, he has turned out to be a true home run for the Florida organization.