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Sam Bennett & the Florida Panthers Hit a Snag in Negotiations; Leafs Look to Take Advantage
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has 15 goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but his free agency negotiations could help the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sam Bennett has been having the playoffs of his life right now, and it has helped to increase his value on the free agent market. At this stage, he is worth millions of dollars per season.
There have been numerous conflicting reports as of late, with the latest claiming that Bennett was about to sign an eight-year, $64 million extension with the Panthers.
However, a new report is suggesting that a deal isn't even close to being finalized. Quite frankly, Bennett's future in Florida is actually in jeopardy.
Can the Toronto Maple Leafs sign Sam Bennett?
Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects took to X, where he noted that Bennett and the Panthers have not had a conversation for weeks.
Robinson also went on to say that Bennett will be hit with some massive offers come July 1st. The Leafs are expected to be interested, although based on the report below, it seems like Bennett wants to stay in the United States.
Lots of speculations that Sam Bennett re-signing in FLA is a foregone conclusions but I'm told the two sides haven't talked extension in weeks.
Teams continue to prepare sizeable offers should he make it to July 1st. Appears his preference is to stay in USA.
Teams continue to prepare sizeable offers should he make it to July 1st. Appears his preference is to stay in USA.
If Robinson's reporting is accurate, then the Leafs might just have to back off on their dream of acquiring Bennett, who is a playoff riser.
However, there are other Florida Panthers players to target. For instance, the Leafs could be in on guys like Brad Marchand and even defenseman Aaron Ekblad.
The Leafs will have plenty of options come free agency. Not to mention, Bennett's salary expectations are a bit lofty. Anything over $8 million per season is too much.
Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs can make some big moves moving forward. After all, the Toronto market is a difficult one, and not every player is built for it.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 15 | 384 ANSWERS Sam Bennett & the Florida Panthers Hit a Snag in Negotiations; Leafs Look to Take Advantage Should the Toronto Maple Leafs make an offer to Sam Bennett? | ||
| YES | 267 | 69.5 % |
| NO | 117 | 30.5 % |
| List of polls | ||