Surprising Suitor Emerges for Pending UFA Sam Bennett

Many observers feel that it would be difficult for pending UFA Sam Bennett to leave the Florida Panthers. But if he does make it to July 1 unsigned, there will be plenty of teams looking to make a huge pitch to land him.

There has been plenty of talk about the Utah Mammoth looking to "take a big swing" this summer, as owner Ryan Smith isn't shy about making his presence known in league circles. According to insider Pierre LeBrun in The Athletic, they've got their sights on one of the biggest potential names in free agency.

Utah absolutely wants to be aggressive in upgrading, and I believe it would be among the more serious suitors for Sam Bennett if he goes to market.

Bennett probably isn't thinking about all this at the moment, as he is focused on trying to lead the Florida Panthers to a back-to-back Stanley Cup championship (the Cats went into Game 4 Thursday night against the Edmonton Oilers with a 2-1 series lead).

The 29-year-old is entering unrestricted free agency and has picked a good time to be leading the playoffs in goal-scoring, with 14 in 20 games. He's also handed out 97 hits, evidence of the other extremely valuable side of what he brings to the ice on a nightly basis.

Many reports suggest that Bennett, who many feel should be worth about $7M-$8 million a season on his next deal, could receive millions more than that from a team desperate to add his fiery, feisty, two-way style of hockey to their makeup.

He routinely puts up 20-goal seasons with 40-50 points, not elite from an offensive perspective, but his strength and physicality, not to mention clutch play, elevate him to another level.

The Mammoth would be making a bit statement, trying to pounce on Bennett.

It still seems likely that Bennett will stay in Florida, though a possible hiccup in that has been identified by insider Elliotte Friedman.

Utah, meanwhile, has also been linked as a potential suitor for the top UFA on the market, Mitch Marner, as James Mirtle notes in The Athletic that they'd be able to offer the Leafs superstar winger a massive contract, and a much quieter environment than the madness that's surrounded him in Toronto the last nine years.