When the Toronto Maple Leafs look for free agents to sign on July 1, they’ll no doubt go big game hunting. And while the Leafs would certainly be interested in a player like Sam Bennett, it appears the feeling isn't mutual. According to FanDuel Sports reporter Andy Strickland, Bennett does not have Toronto on his list of possible destinations if he is unable to sign an extension with the Florida Panthers.
The Maple Leafs will have some salary cap space to work with, as it looks increasingly likely that star forward Mitch Marner won't be returning to Toronto after nine seasons with the club. While Marner has been criticized for his lack of postseason success, Bennett is coming off a second Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers this week, where he scored a playoff-high 15 goals and has developed a reputation as a Leafs killer in the playoffs.
The 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner’s grit and physical play helped get the Panthers past the Leafs in the second round back in 2023. In that series, Bennett dragged down Leafs rookie Matthew Knies behind the net in an early-round game, forcing the player out for the remainder of the playoffs with a concussion. He made his mark again in the 2025 rematch when he collided with the head of Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz at the net. Stolarz was out for the remainder of the second round, although he did dress as a backup to Joseph Woll , and his absence had an effect on how Toronto handled Florida’s aggressive rimming of pucks into Toronto’s zone.
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Of course, just because Toronto isn't on Bennett's reported list doesn't mean the situation is set in stone. Bennett’s agent, Darren Farris, is the same agent representing Marner in contract negotiations, and things can change between now and July 1. Could this be simple posturing or just a tactic for driving the price up for his clients? With the salary cap having gone up significantly, you can’t rule out the report as just another tactic to drive prices up.
Whether it's genuine disinterest or a negotiating ploy, the Leafs may have to look elsewhere to find the postseason grit they desperately need.
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