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Darren Dreger Reveals Major Development Between Sam Bennett and Maple Leafs


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Charlie McAfee
June 7, 2025  (2:25 PM)
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Jun 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) reacts with teammates after scoring a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. #NHL #MapleLeafs #Panthers
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

NHL Insider Darren Dreger dropped a bombshell regarding Sam Bennett's free agent status as speculation grows about where he might end up this summer.

With all the discussion surrounding Sam Bennett's future when it comes to free agency, the Panthers forward is solely focused on getting his second straight Cup.
The Maple Leafs have been linked heavily to the forward, and it would be considered a massive addition to a team needing the type of playoff production that he provides.

Sam Bennett does not want to sign in Toronto: Darren Dreger

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According to NHL Insider Darren Dreger however, who was speaking on TSN's OverDrive program, not only does he believe Bennett not want to leave Florida, but if he were; it would be anywhere but Toronto:
If you're Billy Zito, he's the most creative, arguably the most aggressive GM in the league. He does have the benefit of Florida, but you still need to execute these deals.

I think he'll put a package for Sam Bennett at the end of the postseason. If it's eight-years at $8M or above, how does he push away from that?

He doesn't want to play in Toronto and have people in his business every day It's magnified tenfold in Toronto; I don't think he's going anywhere and I could be wrong but I don't think he's going anywhere.

It's a massive blow to Toronto's hopes for signing Bennett, and it might lead them to shift gears this offseason.

What can Toronto do without Sam Bennett?

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Well, besides kicking themselves for missing out on yet another premium free agent, Brad Treliving can certainly change his focus and look to add some much smaller pieces to fill his holes while waiting for bigger fish in 2026.
There's nothing wrong with splashing for a free agent like Brad Marchand, who might be a bit expensive but doesn't require a long-term commitment.
But besides him, Toronto can bring in much smaller names like Patrick Kane, Claude Giroux, or Jamie Benn; veteran leaders with proven playoff production who can easily come in on a one-year deal.
There's also rumblings of Jonathan Toews choosing Toronto as his comeback destination, so it would be interesting to see if he signs for cheap if that sets the precedent for how their offseason turns out.
It's not the level of production Bennett has, and his 48 points over the last three seasons has been elite; especially for a player who has never hit 60 points in a full season.
But his success and money earned in Florida seems to want to keep him around the Sunshine State. Toronto is gonna be frustrated about not getting a chance to land him, but they have options; and good ones too.
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Darren Dreger Reveals Major Development Between Sam Bennett and Maple Leafs

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