Sam Bennett could be eyeing a contract with the Maple Leafs next summer

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett lives near Toronto every off-season, and in a recent interview, he hinted at possibly signing with the Leafs next summer.

Sam Bennett and the Florida Panthers are fresh off one of the best summers of their lives, celebrating their first-ever Stanley Cup win after an epic Game 7 victory against the Edmonton Oilers in June.

As a former top-5 draft pick, Sam Bennett had a solid playoff run, putting up 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points in 19 games. But with the Ontario native heading into the last year of his contract with Florida, there's already buzz about him possibly heading back to his hometown, that is unless he signs an extension with the Panthers first.

Sam Bennett stopped by TSN's "First Up" on Tuesday to chat about his Stanley Cup journey and the messages he's been getting from fans in Southern Ontario. Even those who aren't his biggest fans have been trying to lure him back to town, and Bennett playfully responded, "Yeah, you never know," which caused quite a stir in Leafs Nation on social media.

Despite missing some time due to injury, Sam Bennett still managed to pop 20 goals and 41 points in 69 games this season. While his numbers have never been off the charts, having hit a career-high 49 points in the 2021-22 season, his grit and determination have finally paid off with a championship win.

So, will Sam Bennett sign with the Maple Leafs as a free agent next summer? Could the Leafs make a move for him at the trade deadline if the Panthers struggle this season? Only time will tell, but Bennett definitely seems open to the idea of coming home.

Source: Maple Leafs DailySam Bennett teases a potential homecoming with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Source: HockeyDBSam Bennett Stats

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