It's Officially Confirmed for Sam Bennett and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Sam Bennett had himself a sensational playoff run with the Florida Panthers. Overall, the forward helped his team win the Stanley Cup. Furthermore, he was awarded the Conn Smythe after scoring 15 goals.

Now, Bennett is set to become a free agent on July 1st, and he can sign with whichever team he wants, provided the interest is mutual.

Of course, the Florida Panthers would love to bring Bennett back. Unfortunately, for them, the cost might just be $8 million per season, or even more.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had interest in the forward, but it seems like that interest is not at all mutual.

According to reporter Andy Strickland, should Bennett become a free agent on July 1st, he will not have the Maple Leafs on his list.

For Maple Leafs fans out there, this is going to be incredibly disappointing. After all, Bennett is a great player, and anyone would want him on their roster.

The Leafs would especially like to have him because there is a high likelihood that Mitch Marner will be leaving as soon as he can.

Now, the Maple Leafs have one less option. Bennett was going to be a player the Leafs heavily pursued, but now, there is no point.

Unfortunately, Toronto is a tough place to play, and there are plenty of free agents who would prefer to be anywhere else in the world. Besides, Florida is one of those situations that is hard to leave.