Welcome to NHL Rumours! The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continues. Yet, our rumour today looks past the crowning of the 2025 Stanley Cup Champions and into free agency. Our rumour looks at Sam Bennett, whose free agent market might be taking shape.
NHL Rumours
Sam Bennett’s Market Takes Shape
Rumour: On his podcast, The Cam and Stick Podcast, St. Louis Blues ringside reporter Andy Strickland discussed the approaching free agency period. Strickland mentioned Bennett. Strickland stated that the Florida Panthers forward is on the Blues list for free agency. In addition, Strickland stated that Bennett is not interested in signing with a team from Canada.
Enjoy! ? @CamandStrick https://t.co/WuCM8idBuL
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) May 13, 2025
Analysis: This makes a ton of sense for the Blues. Bennett is 28-years old and is entering the prime of his career. Furthermore, the forward has scored 20+ goals in three of the last four seasons. Bennett would also bring playoff experience to the Blues, as Bennett helped the Panthers reach the Stanley Cup Final in each of the last two seasons, winning the Cup last summer. Bennett would fit in on the Blues second line as the centre, likely between Dylan Holloway and Jordan Kyrou. This would send Brayden Schenn to the third line, which would provide more time for Dalibor Dvorsky to develop his game in the American Hockey League.
The Blues Cap Situation
Bennett is making $4.425 million this season with the Panthers. Coming off seasons of 20+ goals, it is reasonable to assume that Bennett will be due for a salary increase. How much will determine how much a team is willing to offer. However, the Blues are likely to have the money to spend this off-season. Defenceman Torey Krug is likely to remain on long-term injured reserve, which means his salary will continue to not count against the Blues cap. This will free up $6.5 million for the Blues to spend as they see fit.
As far as signing Bennett goes, there is a $2 million difference in what Bennett makes now and what the Blues can offer. That number could extend depending on what the Blues decided to do with their unrestricted free agents.
The Blues should have the cap space to make a reasonable offer to Bennett if they choose too.
No Canada?
It appears we may be able to cross off a few teams off the list. According to Strickland, Bennett is not interested in playing in Canada. The reason is unclear and even a little confusing, considering Bennett is from Ontario. Furthermore, Bennett even played for Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring the game-tying goal in their win in the championship game.
Of course, it is possible Bennett changes his mind. He could even be persuaded by a high offer. There are plenty of teams from Canada who will be playoff contenders next season. Adding someone like Bennett would help improve their chances.
The Present
While the Blues are already looking ahead towards free agency, Bennett is focusing on helping the Panthers return to the Stanley Cup Final and become the third team since the 2004-05 lockout to win consecutive Stanley Cups.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro- Imagn Images
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