Sam Bennett’s rising value: Becoming the Florida Panthers' top UFA target

The closer we get to the NHL offseason, the more the attention seems to be falling on Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett. 28 years, and his aggressive playstyle and postseason heroics have him pegged as one of the hottest names slated to hit free agency.

Bennett will suddenly be a free agent on July 1. What perfect timing for the player to boost his profile in the eyes of the market with yet another excellent season and playoff performance! Whether he decides to stay put or test free agency, his future is a hot topic among NHL circles.

Why Sam Bennett could be the most wanted center this offseason

Coming to the tail end of his four-year, $17.7 million pact with the Panthers, Sam Bennett has been making a valiant case for a hefty raise. The 2024 campaign turned heads, not just his career-high 51 points in the regular season, but his clutch play in the postseason.

He currently leads the charge for playoff goals, with nine, tied with another player in the Stanley Cup race. He would be well suited for teams looking for skill and grind down the middle with his punishing two-way play and physical presence.

Whilst now March, per reports, Florida has restarted extension talks with Bennett, the prospect of doubling the $4.425 million AAV worth might stretch their cap to the very brink.

Should this be the case, Bennett would instantly assume the No. 1 Unrestricted Free Agent Center spot, thus drawing significant league-wide interest.Among the possible suitors is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who may want to place pending UFAs Mitch Marner and John Tavares in the rearview mirror and thus free up more than $22 million in cap space. The analyst's opinion is that Bennett, possessing an edge and high versatility, would combine well with Toronto's need for a balanced center. With St. Louis, the Blues seek a dependable second-line center that fits the bill for Bennett. However, time is tight with cap constraints looming, and hard calls must be made- digging yourself out by opting to scrap Torey Krug on LTIR might be the way. The Flyers might also join the race, given that they're rebuilding, as they project to have more than $26 million in cap space in the 2025-26 season. The Canadiens have also found their way into the conversation, as they are interested in adding a quality second-line center that will support their young core.Also Read: Sam Reinhart injury update: Panthers head coach Paul Maurice provided update on the team’s forward ahead of Game 3Once grit, skill, and clutch factor are in, you have one of the more interesting free agents in the NHL this summer with Sam Bennett. The Florida Panthers will want to try to keep him as long as they can, but there will be a competitive market for him. Whichever way he looks reflects his career level, and consequently, his team also changes.