Elliotte Friedman Drops Major Hint on Sam Bennett's Free Agency Decision
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Sam Bennett might not be going anywhere according to Elliotte Friedman, and that spells bad news for the Maple Leafs if they were thinking of making a big offer.
Although there's a lot of talk around whether or not Sam Bennett is going to re-sign with the Panthers or end up testing the free agent market, it seems that it's come down to them and the Maple Leafs as the two frontrunners.
Sam Bennett more than likely staying in Florida: Elliotte Friedman
But for Elliotte Friedman; who was speaking on the FAN 590, what he believes would essentially shut down any hopes that the Maple Leafs would sign the potential two-time Stanley Cup winner.
While there's nothing guaranteed about Bennett staying in Florida, the team is well on their way to potentially winning back to back Cups, and with a core locked up long-term and no signs of slowing down; why would he want to move?
Sam Bennett might pull a Mitch Marner with Maple Leafs
Not that he is going to leave for upwards of $15M but that he might decide that he could be the key to unlocking the Maple Leafs' playoff potential.
Bennett, of all the Panthers players, seems to thrive the most in the spotlight and wouldn't have issues navigating the Toronto media.
But as much as Marner thought he was the answer and failed miserably, Bennett has shown he has the chops to not only improve the Maple Leafs, but give that that extra edge they've not had in the Matthews era.
He would be coming home, and if money is such a huge factor it feels like Bennett would have signed an extension already. While he hasn't made big money for his career, he's made close to $35M over his deals, and doubling that in free agency is gonna set him up nicely.
But he'd be getting taxed to oblivion and with the Panthers being a no-tax state, the fact that he could make more money with a lesser deal just based off that alone means he is more than likely staying put.
If he were to sign a $8M deal with the Maple Leafs, it would give him nearly $1.5M extra in saved taxes if he did the same in Florida, and with him being a focal point of Florida's emergence as a dynasty recently; he's a legend already in their eyes.
Bennett had 51 points this season; a career-high. However, he's scored 45 points in the last three postseasons, having 22 goals and 23 assists and has been one of the best playoff performers in the last few years.
Which is why he's more than likely staying in Florida. He can make a lot of money, keep playing with a consistently winning team, and cement his legacy as one of the greatest Panthers of all-time.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 3 | 527 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman Drops Major Hint on Sam Bennett's Free Agency Decision Do you think Sam Bennett will decide to stay in Florida? | ||
| Yes | 426 | 80.8 % |
| No | 101 | 19.2 % |
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