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Sam Bennett's Future Seems to be Decided as David Pagnotta Reveals Where he is Signing

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 9:20 AM ET

The Florida Panthers don't want to let Sam Bennett walk away in free agency, and now, a top insider has reported he's closing in on a new deal with the team.

The Stanley Cup Finals are continuing on Thursday as the Florida Panthers look to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, but behind the scenes, there are a few people in the organization looking towards the future.

The main person that would include is Sam Bennett, who is set to become one of the NHL's biggest free agents this summer, with some reporters even speculating he could command upwards of $10 million on his next deal.

However, there's much more that goes into a free agency decision than money, like family, potential for success and living conditions, and in recent years, it appears he's got the best of that living in Florida.

Unsurprisingly, reports have now emerged that Bennett and the Panthers have taken strides on potentially getting a new deal together, with David Pagnotta revealing progress between the two parties on a contract extension.

While a team like Toronto could certainly pay Bennett more in free agency, he's currently playing in his third straight Stanley Cup Finals, and living on the beach on top of that means he likely doesn't want to leave anytime soon.

Ultimately, it's been looking like Bennett would return to Florida in free agency for weeks now, and while the potential of a $10 million AAV on his next deal must be tempting for the 29-year old star, he's fit in perfectly in his time with the Panthers, and if he's happy as they continue to contend for the Stanley Cup, this move makes the most sense for both parties.

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

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