The Florida Panthers have a chance to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, with plenty of help coming from center Sam Bennett. While the team’s focus remains on the Stanley Cup Final, there remains a lot of buzz surrounding Bennett ahead of NHL free agency.
During an appearance on NHL Tonight, David Pagnotta said Bennett re-signing with the Panthers is “pretty much locked in” ahead of free agency. However, the likelihood of Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand staying in Florida is much more uncertain.
Related: Insider sheds light on Sam Bennett’s future with Florida Panthers
- Sam Bennett stats (2024-25): 51 points (26 assists, 25 goals), 7 power-play goals, 4 game-winning goals, 10.4% shot rate, 46.2% faceoff rate, 145 hits, 45 blocks, 27 takeaways, 57 giveaways
Pagnotta said he’s heard the expected cost of Bennett’s new deal with Florida will be in the neighborhood of $8 million annually on an eight-year deal. If that comes to fruition, he would rank among the 20 highest-paid centers in the NHL next season. The AAV would also nearly double his current deal.
- Sam Bennett contract (PuckPedia): $4.425 million cap hit in 2025
Related: Takeaways from Panthers’ Game 4 loss in Stanley Cup Final
As for Marchand, Pagnotta reports that there’s about a 50 percent chance a deal is worked out. Since arriving in Florida ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline, the 37-year-old has flourished. He contributed 4 points (2 assists, 2 goals) in 10 regular-season games with the Panthers and delivered 18 points (10 assists, 8 goals) during the postseason entering Game 5 of the Sanely Cup Final on Saturday night.
- Aaron Ekblad stats (2024-25): 33 points (30 assists, 2 goals), 11 power-play assists, 90 hits, 64 blocks, 23 takeaways in 56 regular-season games
All three Panthers’ contributors are ranked among the top six players in The Athletic‘s NHL free agency rankings for the offseason. Ekblad, viewed as the best defenseman eligible for free agency. is reportedly wanted back by Florida and the club is eyeing a deal worth $6 million per year.
With Bennett poised to return to the Panthers, the market for Toronto Maple Leafs wing Mitch Marner should be even stronger. A looming deal and Florida’s interest in retaining Ekblad increase the likelihood of Marchand landing with another team on a one-year contract.
Read More: Insider reveals huge offer Mitch Marner may receive from Pacific team
