Mitch Marner and Sam Bennett, names set to catch any henchmen thinking | NHL News
The NHL Free Agency period has now become a thing in the history books for years; all eyes will be turned to July 1, when a host of stars will find new homes. The really big names generating the most buzz are those of Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner and Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett. Both players have been given the No. Uno is a free-agent spot this year, albeit for different reasons. The main gossip is where these superstars will land five weeks into Free agency.
Different careers: Mitch Marner’s Flash and Sam Bennett’s fire
Mitch Marner goes into free agency as arguably the most skilled free agent, backed by a 102-point season. The 28-year-old has belonged among the top-tier offensive players of the NHL for the past three years. The market value for Marner has been rising despite the disparities he has experienced in playoff performance in Toronto as opposed to the regular season. All predictions point towards him getting a landmark contract, surpassing the $11.6 million average annual value signed by Artemi Panarin. A few teams are reported to have interest in Arguably, Los Angeles, Florida, and Vegas have all shown interest in signing him. The result of this signing could well shape the NHL scene.On the other hand, Bennett has a completely different appeal. With his gritty, street-level, and physical style of game, Bennett has earned a reputation as a postseason force in Florida through deep playoff runs. Recent performances have shown his resolve and ability to come up in big moments again, including being the playoff-leading nine-goal scorer this spring. His numbers in the regular season may not correspond with Marner’s, but arguably Bennett’s playoff impact and two-way capabilities make him an esteemed asset. His next contract is estimated to be in the $6.6-$8 million range per annum, though another Stanley Cup could alter that.Besides Marner and Bennett, a few veterans of the Canadian teams are listed at the top. John Tavares, who has expressed an interest in staying with Toronto, is an applicant for being in the top five free agents with his 38-goal campaign. Both Brock Boeser of Vancouver and Nikolaj Ehlers of Winnipeg round out the very high ranks, with changes perhaps down the road for them.Also Read: Why Sam Bennett could reject Maple Leafs even if they offer millionsWith the coming of July 1, the frenzy of 2025 NHL free agency will surely be of high drama, with Mitch Marner and Sam Bennett representing two extremely different yet equally convincing storylines. Be it Marner and his record-breaking possibilities or Bennett and his championship pedigree, teams are going to be bidding big during the weeks. The coming weeks will decide whose time it is to take the big step in reshaping their franchise with the two marquee talents.
