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Panthers' Sam Bennett Reportedly Rules Out Division Rival as Free Agency Option

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 9:06 AM ET

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett is poised to be one of the most sought-after players on the market this summer.

Bennet is coming off a breakout season in which he scored 51 points in 76 regular-season games, capping it up with a dominant playoff run in which he scored 15 goals and helped the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

After completing his four-year, $17.7 million contract, Bennett will enter unrestricted free agency on July 1, barring an agreement for a contract extension with Florida before that date.

According to NHL insider Andy Strickland, however, the Conn Smythe-winning forward has no plans to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs if he gets to market.

Hearing Toronto will not be on Sam Bennett’s list of free agent destinations, if unable to come to terms with Florida and he becomes a UFA.
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) June 18, 2025

“Hearing Toronto will not be on Sam Bennett’s list of free agent destinations, if unable to come to terms with Florida and he becomes a UFA,” Strickland reported on X.

Despite being a Toronto native and linked to the Leafs in recent rumors, Bennett appears uninterested in returning home, and perhaps not even to his nation at all.

Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects acknowledged that while Bennett returning to Florida is far from a fait accompli, the forward has ruled out signing with a Canadian franchise.

"Lots of speculations that Sam Bennett re-signing in FLA is a foregone conclusion," Robinson wrote on X. "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."

Daily Faceoff projects Bennett to sign a six-year, $38.4 million deal during the offseason, with an annual cap hit of $6.4 million.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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