Sam Bennett has been simply incredible for the Florida Panthers this post-season. In 19 games this post-season thus far, he has recorded 13 goals, 19 points, and a plus-3 rating. He has also set an NHL record by scoring 12 road goals in a single post-season.
Bennett having an outstanding playoff run came at the perfect time for him, as he is a pending unrestricted free agent and is due for a massive raise this summer. Many teams would naturally be interested in him if he hits the free-agent market on July 1, as he is a top-six center who also plays with a very gritty game.
However, in a recent article for The Athletic, James Mirtle reported that teams do not expect Bennett to become a free agent but rather see him staying put in Florida.
"Sorry to disappoint any fans of teams that need a center — which honestly feels like at least half the league right now — but no one I spoke to around the league expects Sam Bennett to be available," Mirtle reported.
It would be massive if the Panthers successfully re-sign Bennett, as he is such an important part of their roster. In 76 regular-season games this season, the 6-foot-1 forward posted scored 25 goals and set new career highs with 26 assists and 51 points. It would be incredibly difficult to replace all he provides, so hearing this kind of update about the star forward is certainly encouraging.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Panthers and Bennett come to terms on a new contract after the Stanley Cup Final is over.
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