The Florida Panthers aim to maintain their position as the top team in the NHL and are focused on preserving the strength of their roster. After the addition of Brad Marchand, who spent his entire career with the Boston Bruins, head coach Paul Maurice’s team is now ready to make a decision on another one of their stars: Sam Bennett.
Forward Bennett, who recently expressed his excitement about Marchand’s arrival, is in the final season of his four-year, $17.7 million contract, with an annual average of $4.425 million. At 28 years old, Bennett is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025.
The situation puts the Panthers in a tough spot, as they now have to deal with a situation involving none other than a player like Bennett, who has stood out by contributing 45 points in 66 games this season (22 goals and 23 assists).
Will Bennett remain with the Panthers?
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Panthers and Bennett have resumed contract extension talks after initial negotiations stalled. Both parties are reportedly open to reaching a new agreement following the pause in discussions.
Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers seen in action during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
The new deal is expected to surpass $7 million annually for the 28-year-old veteran. “I don’t want to handicap it, don’t want to say one way or another. But they are trying, and it’s been a very good marriage between player and team,” insider Friedman reported.
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The ideal time for an extension
Bennett is having an excellent performance in Sunrise this season, which puts him in a great position to negotiate with the Panthers’ management. In this context, the 28-year-old forward has a strong chance of meeting the requirements for his contract renewal. He is currently sixth in scoring for Florida. Additionally, the recent extensions signed within the franchise set a positive precedent.
