Panthers Rumors: Sam Bennett Becoming Trade Candidate

The Florida Panthers have some big decisions to make this offseason. They have multiple notable pending free agents who they want to keep around, including Sam Reinhart, Brandon Montour, and Anton Lundell (RFA). However, keeping all three will force them to move out some salary.

As a result of this, there has been chatter over the prospect of the Panthers moving forward Sam Bennett this offseason.

Bennett carries a $4.425 million cap hit until the end of the 2024-25 season. While there is no question that his contract is not bad, he may be a player made expendable if it helps the Panthers' chances of keeping their two top pending UFAs, Reinhart and Montour, around.

Bennett, 27, would generate a plethora of attention if made available by the Panthers. He is not only an impactful forward because of his offensive contributions but also his strong defensive play and immense physicality. As a result, he would be a hot commodity.

Bennett appeared in 69 regular-season games this season with the Panthers, where he had 20 goals, 41 points, 173 hits, 100 penalty minutes, and a plus-17 rating.

We will need to wait and see what happens with Bennett this offseason, but he is a clear player to watch.