Mar 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) plays the puck near the net against the Montreal Canadiens in the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Florida Panthers Resume Contract Negotiations with Sam Bennett

Florida Panthers and forward Sam Bennett have restarted discussions on a contract extension as they aim to secure his future with the team.

The Florida Panthers have resumed contract talks with center Sam Bennett as he approaches unrestricted free agency. The 27-year-old is in the final year of his four-year, $17.7 million deal, a contract that has turned out to be a steal for Florida. Signed in 2021 after being acquired from the Calgary Flames, Bennett has thrived with the Panthers, becoming a key two-way presence and elevating his game in the playoffs.

Before arriving in Florida, Bennett struggled to meet expectations in Calgary, never surpassing 40 points in a season. However, since joining the Panthers, he has consistently hit that mark and is currently on pace for a career year with 22 goals and 23 assists in 65 games. His physicality, defensive responsibility, and ability to create scoring chances have made him an essential piece of Florida’s top-six forward group.

Panthers And Sam Bennett Have Resumed Extension Talkshttps://t.co/QTeWI3JqaV
— Pro Hockey Rumors (@prohockeyrumors) March 16, 2025

More importantly, Bennett has demonstrated his value in the postseason. Over the last two playoff runs, he has recorded 12 goals and 17 assists in 39 games, playing a crucial role in the Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, including last season’s championship victory. His ability to elevate his performance when the stakes are highest adds significant value to his next contract.

Negotiations won’t be easy, though. Bennett is expected to seek a long-term deal from $7 million to $8 million per year, a significant raise from his current $4.425 million annual salary. Comparable contracts, such as Elias Lindholm’s $7.75 million AAV with the Boston Bruins, suggest that Bennett could command a similar figure on the open market, especially with the rising NHL salary cap.

The Panthers now face a difficult decision. They must balance their financial commitments while keeping their championship core intact. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad is also set to hit free agency, and young center Anton Lundell is developing into a top-six option. While Bennett’s contributions have been invaluable, Florida’s front office must determine whether they can afford to meet his contract demands.

Image Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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