Winnipeg Jets Named Landing Spot For Panthers Champion originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a very successful regular season that saw them clinch the Presidents’ Trophy. But much like other teams who have won the honor, they fell short in the postseason.
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Winnipeg has all the tools to go after a Stanley Cup, but they may need just a little more of a boost to make it happen. After dominating during the regular season, the Jets may look to add some playoff enhancements to the roster.
One player who would fit that bill is center Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers. Bennett just helped Florida win its second straight Stanley Cup title, and he is now entering free agency.
Many expect Bennett to remain in Florida, but if he were to depart, the Jets could be a good option. NHL writer Joe Yerdon of Bleacher Report mentioned the Jets as a potential landing spot for the two-time champion.
Adding Bennett to the mix would make a team that already won the Presidents’ Trophy that much more difficult to beat and inject more fire into their battles against Colorado, Dallas and St. Louis. It would be costly, of course, but if Bennett gets a big offer out of them, it would be coming from a team that is a true Stanley Cup contender,” Yerdon wrote.
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) celebrates a goal with center Sam Bennett (9) in the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at FLA Live Arena. Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Bennett showed out in the postseason this year, scoring 15 goals and seven assists over 23 playoff games for Florida. Adding him to this Jets team could help put them over the top, and it could be a worthwhile investment.
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Weird things can happen in free agency, so it’s no guarantee that he returns to the Panthers. If this happens, Winnipeg could be the perfect team to steal him away.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.