Don't you just love a good plot twist? One minute, you're seeing something you'd expect to happen unfold before your very eyes. The next minute, BAM! The plot changes course, leaving you on the edge of your seat.
The "Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights" rumor mill has been exactly that. It's been a roller coaster of emotions for fans, leading them to think the Toronto Maple Leafs megastar is heading to Sin City.
But there's a twist to the story. The Golden Knights might not be interested in Marner, after all. Instead, they have their eyes on a proven Stanley Cup winner from the Florida Panthers. His name? Sam Bennett.
Chris Johnston: Vegas more likely to go after a Sam Bennett type than Mitch Marner in NHL free agency - Chris Johnston Show
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 3, 2025
According to TSN insider Chris Johnston, the Golden Knights are more interested in adding a cheaper option, i.e. a Sam Bennett-type, than Marner. It stands with good reason, too. The price tag wouldn't be as outrageous.
According to ScotiaStats, Marner is projected to earn a new contract worth $12.5 million AAV for eight years. Bennett? Six years and $6.6 million. It's easy to see why McCrimmon is leaning towards the Panthers forward.
Believe it or not, Sam Bennett makes sense for the Vegas Golden Knights
I know what you're thinking. You're looking at the 28-year-old and thinking, "There's no way we need another center on the Golden Knights." Yes, that's true. However, it doesn't hurt to build the best team down the middle, especially when you can trade Nicolas Roy away.
When you compare the two players, it's easy to see why the Panthers center would be preferred. He'd be a terrific upgrade that would help the middle of the lineup (stats courtesy of MoneyPuck).
Player | Goals | Assists | High Danger xGoals | Takeaways | Corsi | Fenwick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sam Bennett | 25 | 26 | 16.22 | 27 | 61% | 59% |
Nicolas Roy | 15 | 16 | 6.7 | 20 | 50% | 51% |
Two things stand out from this comparison. One, Bennett has a far superior shot selection. He has no problems going after high-danger chances when needed, giving the middle of the lineup a boost.
Two, he's a better defensive player. This season, Bennett had 145 hits and 27 takeaways. Roy? 72 hits and 20 takeaways. Aside from being a more aggressive forechecker, Bennett also plays a physical game, making him a useful two-way forward.
It wouldn't hurt the Golden Knights to pursue Bennett
Look, I'm also hoping for Mitch Marner to escape the dreaded Toronto winters to come to Las Vegas. The "Core Four" member and Jack Eichel would make for a dynamic duo that would wreak havoc all over the NHL. Facing off against two 100-point threats is never fun, after all.
However, that price tag might be too much for McCrimmon and the Golden Knights to handle. They would have to sacrifice their entire team just to get the superstar on board. Who knows? That $12.5 million price tag might go even higher.
McCrimmon's MO has always been to spend big money when the time is right. He did this with Alex Pietrangelo's seven-year, $8.8 million AAV deal and he also did it at the trade deadline last season. Could that be the case with Marner? Stay tuned. He might shock some people and pull the trigger.
Still, don't count out McCrimmon going after a depth piece like Bennett for a good price. The Golden Knights were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs based on their lack of scoring depth. The Panthers forward might provide a Hollywood ending for Golden Knights fans next year if he joins the team.