The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be out of the running to sign one of the best free agents available.
The Maple Leafs will lose Mitch Marner for nothing and have been linked to Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers. Bennett just won the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP as he led the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cups.
However, NHL insider Andy Strickland revealed Bennett isn’t interested in signing with Toronto.
“Hearing Toronto will not be on Sam Bennett’s list of free agent destinations, if unable to come to terms with Florida and he becomes a UFA,” Strickland wrote on X.
Bennett is coming off a four-year, $17.7 million deal and will likely get a deal worth over $8 million per season. Although he has been linked to the Maple Leafs due to Bennett being from Toronto, it appears he won’t be signing at home.
Bennett recorded 25 goals and 26 assists for 51 points in 76 games in the season. He recorded 15 goals and 7 assists for 22 points in 23 playoff games.
Bennett Has Bad History With Maple Leafs GM
Part of the reason why Bennett may not be interested in signing with the Maple Leafs is due to the general manager.
Toronto’s GM is Brad Treliving, who used to be the Calgary Flames‘ GM. While Treliving was the GM of the Flames, he traded Bennett to the Panthers, as the former first-round pick wasn’t happy with his role.
“Obviously my career hasn’t gone the way I expected, and I think I have a lot more to prove and I have a lot more to give,” Bennett said after the trade. “I’m thankful for the opportunity, and I love playing in Calgary and loved all that. But now I’ve got a new fresh start and a fresh opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited.”
The relationship between Bennett and Treliving wasn’t a good one, and the GM says a trade had to happen.
“We had a long discussion today. I think if you could do things over in life… I know I’ve probably got a few redo’s out there. Probably everybody does… It could’ve been handled a little bit differently,” Treliving added. “I don’t put that on Sam. I think at the end of the day, Sam worked hard here. That was never an issue. But I think he’s going to embrace a fresh start, and we wish him all the best.”
Ultimately, after their exit in Calgary didn’t go the best, Bennett may not want to play for Treliving again. Which is why he appears not to be interested in signing with the Maple Leafs.
Bennett Won Conn Smythe
Bennett helped Florida win back-to-back Stanley Cups and won the Conn Smythe.
The Conn Smythe is the playoff MVP trophy, and he was honored to win it, but Bennett felt like anyone on the team could have.
“My whole focus was on winning the Stanley Cup. It’s a huge honor to be nominated as the MVP. But, there truly are 25 MVPs on this team, and it could’ve gone to anyone,” Bennett said. “I’m obviously super grateful, it means the world to me, but I really couldn’t have done it without this whole group.”
Bennett finished seventh in the playoffs in points.
Insider: Key Free Agent Forward Not Interested in Signing With Maple Leafs