Canadiens Can Forget Top UFA Target Sam Bennett as New Deal Appears to Be in the Works, Insider Reveals

According to top insider David Pagnotta, serious discussions are currently underway between Bennett and the Panthers for him to officially sign an eight-year contract extension.

If confirmed, this would be a significant blow to several teams that were hoping to sign him-especially considering how rare it is to see a player sign during the middle of the Stanley Cup Final.

We're talking about a deal with an average annual value of $8 million, totaling $64 million.

It's worth noting that insiders had confirmed some teams were preparing to offer Bennett 10 million per year, but despite that, he clearly seems to have decided to stay under the warm Florida sun.

It already feels like a done deal, but it will likely be announced immediately after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final.

Bennett, 28 years old, has recorded 21 points in 21 games during the 2025 playoffs.

This season, he tallied 51 points in 76 games with the Panthers, along with 90 penalty minutes.

Acquired from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Emil Heineman and a second-round draft pick in 2021, he has become a true home run for the Florida franchise.

More details to follow.