NHL Insider Confirms UFA Sam Bennett Is Indeed Interested in Signing With the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski - Imagn Images
NHL insider John Shannon lists the Toronto Maple Leafs as one of two potential landing spots for one of this year's top unrestricted free agents in Sam Bennett.
At this point in the off-season, it's anyone's guess as to how the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to operate once the free agent window opens.
Should they parts ways with Mitch Marner and John Tavares, the Leafs will be dipping their toes in the free agent market and while this year's class doesn't offer too much to be excited about, there's one player in particular that the Leafs would love to have in Sam Bennett.
After another fantastic season in the books, the Ontario native is set to become one of the more sought after free agents, should he actually get to that point. One NHL insider posits that it's essentially a two-horse race at this point and one of those carriages belongs to the Maple Leafs.
NHL Insider John Shannon Believes the Toronto Maple Leafs Have a Legitimate Opportunity of Landing Sam Bennett This Summer
"Don't waste your time, he's going to play in one two places, he's going to play in Toronto or he's going to play in Sunrise, Florida, that's it.
That's his decision, he's not going to market the way other free agents market, he will go and play for the Panthers or the Maple Leafs, we just don't know which one yet."
That's his decision, he's not going to market the way other free agents market, he will go and play for the Panthers or the Maple Leafs, we just don't know which one yet."
Due to the volatility of the open market and the fact that almost every team will be making a bid, there could be offers upwards of $9 million dollars per season for Bennett. However, some of those teams will be rebuilding clubs like Chicago or Anaheim, which might not be where the rugged forward wants to continue his career.
It sounds like the Leafs will be right at the top of Bennett's list but they're going to have to beat out the Panthers, which will be very tough to do.
The income tax debate will be hotly discussed considering the differences between Florida and Ontario but more importantly is whether or not he will actually want to walk away from a legitimate Stanley Cup threat in the Panthers.
It will be interesting to see how things unfold, especially if Bennett is able to collect consecutive Stanley Cup championships. Perhaps with 2 rings on his finger, he would be more inclined to test the market and try his with the Leafs.
| POLL | ||
MAI 27 | 6423 ANSWERS NHL Insider Confirms UFA Sam Bennett Is Indeed Interested in Signing With the Maple Leafs Should the Maple Leafs spend upwards of $9 million dollars a season to get Sam Bennett? | ||
| Yes | 3162 | 49.2 % |
| No | 3261 | 50.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
