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The Capitals likely to Miss Out On UFA Sam Bennett As He Has Chosen Who He Wants to Play For
Photo credit: USA Today
Impending free agent and Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett has made his intentions known for the upcoming 2025-2026 season while celebrating the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory at a nightclub on Thursday night that he wants to stay with the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers for the foreseeable future.
The 29 year old Ontario native is coming off a 25 goal, 26 assist season in which the Canadian played in 76 regular season games for the Panthers.
In the playoffs Sam Bennett went off on a tear by scoring 15 goals and 7 helpers through the Florida Panthers 23 playoff games.
Back in 2021 Sam Bennett had signed a 4-year deal with the Florida Panther for $17.7 million and now enters the post season as an unrestricted free agent.
Sam Bennett wants to stay in the sunshine state
Sam Bennett will have many suitors that will want to sign the Conn Smythe winner, but after his performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs his price tag will not come cheap.
The Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers might have the inside track to keep their star center, but loyalty and if Sam Bennett is willing to give the Florida Panthers a hometown discount will be interesting to see.
The Florida Panthers will have several decisions to make this offseason as they start their quest for a three-peat, but even trying to get the band back together will presents its challenges while trying to navigate the salary cap.
Sam Bennett winning the Conn Smythe trophy as the playoff MVP in a contract year means his price tag will not come cheap.
Washington Capitals fans would love to potentially sign Sam Bennett this offseason, but if he doesn't stay in Florida on a cap friendly deal, he might just be too expensive for the Washington Capitals to try and sign off of the open market.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 16 ANSWERS The Capitals likely to Miss Out On UFA Sam Bennett As He Has Chosen Who He Wants to Play For Will Sam Bennett be back with the Florida Panthers next season? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 62.5 % |
| No | 6 | 37.5 % |
| List of polls | ||