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Sam Bennett's 'Preference' Could Impact His Free Agent Market

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 7:09 AM ET

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has dominated this postseason, and interest in the pending free agent is rising by the day.

According to the latest reports, however, there is a possibility that a large segment of all possible landing spots for Bennett might be left entirely out of the equation.

Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects shared an interesting update on Sunday, pushing back on the growing assumption that Bennett will re-sign with Florida.

“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.”

Lots of speculations that Sam Bennett re-signing in FLA is a foregone conclusions 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.
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) June 15, 2025

While that's interesting in that it left the door open for potential suitors to join the Bennett sweepstakes come July 1, assuming he gets to market, the last part of Robinson's report is what can be considered fresh information.

“Appears his preference is to stay in USA,” Robinson wrote.

With that, Bennett would decline to enter contract talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Winniepeg Jets.

Bennett, an Ontario native, is about to complete the final season of his four-year, $17.7 million contract and will be among the most coveted forwards on the market.

Bennett has been on a tear throughout Florida’s run to a potential second straight Stanley Cup. His goal in Game 5 gave him 15 in the playoffs, making him just the fourth active NHLer to reach that total in a single postseason.

Daily Faceoff projects Bennett to sign a six-year, $38.4 million deal during the offseason.

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

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