NHL analyst claims top Maple Leafs free agent target Sam Bennett "doesn't want to come back home" to Toronto in free agency

Mitch Marner and Sam Bennett are two of the biggest names heading into free agency, with their futures with their respective teams remaining uncertain.

Marner is linked to a potential move to the Florida Panthers, while Bennett is rumored to be a target for the Maple Leafs. However, NHL analyst James Mirtle believes Bennett isn't eager to return to his hometown of Toronto.

On Sportsnet 590, Mirtle suggested that Marner to the Panthers is a widely discussed possibility, with many noting Sam Bennett's reluctance to join Toronto.

"Marner to the Panthers, for sure. Everyone at the Combine is saying that Bennett doesn't want to come back home to Toronto, whereas I think Marner would want to go to Florida. And I know, you know, I think that would definitely be high on this list," Mirtle said.

"So the question is, you look at the Panthers, can they make it work? You know, I think maybe they can, but it would have to be a lower number than everything we've always heard talked about with Marner. So that would be like a double dagger if it ends up happening. I think that they're both long shots. I think, you know, just the fact that the player, the willingness of the player, is such a huge piece of it, obviously," he added.

While Sam Bennett is rumored to be leaving the Panthers this summer, there's also a possibility he might stay with the organization. However, given his free agent status, the situation could become complicated, and the player could depart Florida.

Sam Bennett is having an excellent postseason with the Panthers

Sam Bennett is having an excellent playoff run, helping the Cats in their pursuit of a second consecutive championship.

The 28-year-old has accumulated 20 points, with six goals and 14 assists, in as many games. He notched a goal in the Panthers' 6-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Meanwhile, the Panthers lead the series 2-1, with Game 3 scheduled to take place at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday. The puck drops at 8 p.m. ET.