Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

Fallout Between Panthers and Bennett Clears Path for Blockbuster Move, Huge Salary Expected

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 9:59 AM ET

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.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: