Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand got hot at the perfect time of the 2024-25 NHL season. Guiding the Florida Panthers to Stanley Cup glory, the two stars whose contracts come to an end in July are now being sought after by every team in the league. However, reports indicate the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner has slammed the door on one destination.
Timing is everything. Bennett and Marchand can attest to that after putting on a show throughout the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now, the eyes of the NHL are upon them and their contract situation in Florida.
While Marchand became one of the best trade deadline rentals in NHL history, Bennett has had to come a long way since joining the Panthers in 2020. The former Calgary Flames center recorded career-highs this season, including a staggering 15-goal tally in the postseason.
Winning the Conn Smythe Trophy only added to the ludicrous contract he is set to sign during the summer. However, it’s unclear if he will sign it in Sunrise or somewhere else across the continent.
One thing is clear, nevertheless: Bennett is reportedly not heading to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It would’ve been one of the best plot twists in league history — but in this case, fiction might not surpass reality.
“Hearing Toronto will not be on Sam Bennett’s list of free agent destinations, if unable to come to terms with Florida and he becomes a UFA,” insider Andy Strickland reported on his X account.
When one door closes, another opens up
The Maple Leafs would’ve loved to welcome a proven playoff performer like Bennett. Still, the Panthers star’s stance may actually open up a different path for Toronto.
Bennett’s former nemesis and now-beloved teammate, Marchand, could actually become a Maple Leaf during free agency. The Boston Bruins’ ex-captain would have a full-circle moment if that’s the case, but he has shown willingness to make it happen. Regardless, the Panthers won’t let their stars walk away without putting up a fight. General manager Bill Zito made sure to remind the rest of the league of that.
No easy task
After eliminating Toronto in the second round of the playoffs, Marchand admitted he had grown up a Maple Leafs’ fan, seemingly hinting at his next chapter. However, it will take more than childhood memories to sign Marchand, who is among the most coveted names in the offseason market.
According to insider Darren Dreger, every contender in the NHL will be in the mix to sign Marchand during free agency. Of course, that is if the 37-year-old makes it to July 1st without signing a contract extension in Florida.
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The Cats will do whatever it takes to keep the team together. The Panthers want to run it back in the 2025–26 NHL season. Well, technically, they’re looking to go back-to-back… to-back. Now it’s time for the parade in Fort Lauderdale — like only Florida knows how. But make no mistake: the Panthers are eyeing the three-peat.