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Paul Bissonnette's Rich Prediction for Panthers Forward's Next Contract

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 8:27 AM ET

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett’s playoff performance continues to drive speculation about his future and how much his next contract could be worth.

The Panthers center has 14 goals and 20 points through 20 playoff games, including an NHL-record 12 road goals in a single postseason.

Bennett, 28, is finishing a four-year, $17.7 million contract with a $4.43 million cap hit. His postseason production will surely raise his price, and former NHL player Paul Bissonnette believes teams will pay for his skill set.

Discussing Bennett's upcoming free agency and potential contract extension on "Spittin’ Chiclets," Bissonnette offered a bold prediction on Bennett’s free-agent value if he hits the open market in July, estimating an eight-figure deal being on the forward's horizon.

Sam Bennett might be the best player in hockey right now, but is he worth $10,000,000? https://t.co/HGUnnBTX7v pic.twitter.com/tCBQj4laIT
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) June 10, 2025

“I think this guy’s getting $10 million all day,” Bissonnette said. “I think that four or five teams would offer him $10 million.”

Bennett’s value has never been higher, and he keeps putting up numbers in the games with the highest stakes. The forward scored again Monday night and has four goals in three Stanley Cup Final games.

“Bennett, I believe, has four in this series,” Bissonnette said. “And Bennett has an NHL record: 12 road goals. He’s got 14 goals in playoffs, 12 of which on the road.”

Daily Faceoff projects Bennett to land a six-year, $6.4 million contract, way beyond Bissonnette's suggestion.

A deal with the Panthers remains the likeliest outcome, however, as reported by The Athletic’s James Mirtle on Monday.

"Sorry to disappoint any fans of teams that need a center — which honestly feels like at least half the league right now — but no one I spoke to around the league expects Sam Bennett to be available," Mirtle reported.

Mirtle, however, thinks that Bennett "is likely to still cost, at minimum, $8 million per year," with the Panthers entering the offseason boasting $19 million of cap space.

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

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