Sam Bennett's Future With Panthers Gets Critical Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Treppedi | Last updated Mar 17, 2025 7:07 PM ET

Florida Panthers versatile forward Sam Bennett is in the last year of his four-year, $17.7 million deal and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The 28-year-old who has created a shining reputation for being one of the NHL's most aggravating presences is an essential piece to the Panthers' success, significantly helping bolster them to a Stanley Cup last year.

With a lot of recent uncertainty about whether Bennett will be resigned, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman provided an important update on contract negotiations between the two parties during the “Saturday Headlines” segment on "Hockey Night in Canada."

“Talks have resumed between Bennett and the Panthers,” Friedman said on Saturday. “I don’t want to handicap it, don’t want to say one ay or another. But they are trying, and it’s been a very good marriage between player and team.”

On Monday, Friedman followed up on that report while speaking on Sportsnet's "32 Thoughts" podcast, saying that even though he won't slap a timeline on it, he expects Florida will find a way to prevent the coveted playoff-prone forward from hitting free agency.

Friedman emphasized that even though the Panthers don't budge on salary negotiations, they craft creative solutions to keep the player happy.

“When it comes to Florida, you sign at their number,” he said. “One thing about Florida, they do structure that really benefits the player.”

Bennett's next contract is expected to have an AAV exceeding $7 million, though his exact demands remain unclear.

He has recorded 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points in 66 games this season.

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

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