While everyone is trying to keep their focus on the final month of the NHL regular season and the looming Stanley Cup Playoffs, it doesn’t hurt to take a little glimpse into the future, especially in Leaf Land.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for another go at the postseason, some are beginning to wonder what the team will look like if another early exit occurs, including who might be a target in free agency.

One particular player who is a pending unrestricted free agent is Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett. The veteran centre has been crucial to his team’s success over the past few years, helping the team make it to back-to-back Cup Finals and lifting Lord Stanley’s Cup last spring.

The Sheet’s Jeff Marek joined Nick Alberga and David Pagnotta on Leafs Morning Take, and was asked about the market for Bennett if he elects to go to free agency.

“The term that I was told about Sam Bennett,” Marek explained. “Come July 1, is ‘cattle auction.’ Like, that’s exactly the type of play.”

Bennett is currently on pace to set a career-high in points. With 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points, there is a good chance he eclipses his 49-point performance during the 2021-22 campaign, the year the Panthers captured the President’s Trophy.

The 28-year-old has earned a reputation as being a menace to play against, especially among Toronto fans who remember Bennett for taking then-rookie Matthew Knies out of the second round of the 2023 playoffs. However, his ability to score clutch goals, along with his grit, has made him an asset that opposing teams would love to have on their roster.

Marek says that due to Bennett’s representation, it wouldn’t be surprising if Bennett goes to market, despite his history with the Panthers.

Bennett is represented by Darren Ferris, Mitch Marner’s agent.

“Ferris likes to, and has made no bones about it, ‘I believe in taking our guys to market. I believe in getting them to July 1. Doesn’t mean they can’t re-sign, but they’ve earned that right.’ Darren Ferris has always been one of those agents that’s always maintained it’s the right thing to do…unless a GM just comes and offers something ridiculous.”

While there would be many potential suitors for a UFA like Bennett, Marek believes the Leafs would be one of the teams willing to shell out some cash.

“I think it’ll be a cattle auction, and I think that the Maple Leafs will be one of those teams that will be right in there.”

Bennett is in the final season of his four-year contract with the Panthers in July 2021. The deal has a cap hit of $4.425 million.

The Panthers (40-22-3) are first in the Atlantic Division, with 17 games remaining in their regular season. They hold a two-point lead on the second-place Leafs (39-22-3).