Details of Sam Bennett's Absurd New Contract Leaked by Insider; Leafs Dodged a Bullet

Well, folks, the Sam Bennett sweepstakes are over before they even began as a report from The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta has reported that the Florida Panthers and Bennett are reportedly closing in on an 8-year contract extension.

The Maple Leafs have long been linked to Bennett, and those rumours didn't waver even when the reported asking price skyrocketed. Fortunately for the Leafs, they won't get the chance to overpay.

Per Pagnotta during an appearance on the NHL Network, Bennett is "pretty much locked in" to remain with the Panthers, with an 8-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $8M per season appearing to be the framework of the extension.

With yet another significant piece coming off the board before free agency even opens up in less than 3 weeks, the Leafs are going to be hard-pressed to replace the departing Mitch Marner, whose next contract offer could top a ridiculous sum of money, perhaps equal to or greater than Leon Draisaitl's $14M per season.

The Leafs would almost certainly have regretted paying Bennett what would have surely eclipsed $8M per season when you consider the difference between the tax rate in Ontario and the no-tax State of Florida. In addition, the Leafs would not have been able to offer Bennett that 8th year.

This news also comes off the heels of a report surfacing, suggesting that the Leafs also swung and missed on Chris Kreider this week.

A 37-year-old Brad Marchand remains an option, but he is simply not enough on his own in the twilight of his career to be the Leafs' biggest summer addition.