Sam Bennett isn’t just enjoying his time with the Panthers; he’s thriving. As Florida prepares for a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final, the veteran center seems firmly committed to staying put. Though he’s set to become a free agent in a few weeks, Bennett’s recent comments point to one clear message: he sees his future in Florida.
Sam Bennett Rumors Heat Up as Free Agency Nears
Bennett spoke about reaching the Finals again, emphasizing how everyone in the organization shares a championship mindset. “It’s just the expectation now,” he said [via The Athletic]. He also agreed that Florida “is a good fit,” praising head coach Paul Maurice.
During a Game 7 moment against Toronto in the second round, he told teammate Carter Verhaeghe, “I wasn’t ready to stop playing hockey.” That passion, paired with his elite playoff performances, makes it difficult for him to imagine being in another uniform.
Since being traded from Calgary in 2021, Bennett has become vital to Florida’s identity. He’s delivered consistent production, including three 20-goal seasons and a standout playoff run this year with 10 goals and 16 points.
Sam Bennett – Florida Panthers (11)* pic.twitter.com/0I02VzvO4I
— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) June 5, 2025
A Perfect Fit Comes at a Price
The Panthers may struggle to keep Bennett without financial compromise despite his value. Florida operates under a structured salary system where stars like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk earn $10 million and $9.5 million annually, respectively. For Bennett to stay, he’d likely have to accept less than what he could earn elsewhere.
League insiders suggest Bennett could attract offers in the $8–10 million range on the open market. But he and the organization understand that fit, chemistry, and a winning environment are hard to replace.
General manager Bill Zito has praised Bennett’s character and importance to the team. He’s not just a physical, playoff-ready forward; he’s a leader in the locker room. Maurice added that Bennett thrives at center, using his speed and grit to create plays, a role that wasn’t available to him in Calgary.
Meanwhile, teams like the Boston Bruins, who reportedly had interest in Bennett, may be out of the race. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, Bennett prefers to remain in Florida. That could significantly reshape the Bruins’ offseason plans as they retool their roster.
David Pagnotta: Sam Bennett’s preference is to stay in Florida – The Fourth Period
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 2, 2025
Decisions on Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad, other key Panthers players, also loom. Marchand, like Bennett, is nearing the end of his contract. Reports indicate he might seek a deal around $8 million, which Florida may struggle to match if Bennett re-signs.
Still, Bennett isn’t focused on the numbers yet. “Everything else is in the background,” he said this week. His priority is chasing another Cup with the group that believed in him when others didn’t.
