NHL analysts debate heatedly on Maple Leafs potentially acquiring $68,000,000 Rangers forward over top FA target Sam Bennett 

NHL analysts debate heatedly on the Toronto Maple Leafs potentially acquiring New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad over top FA target Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers.

On FanDuel's "Overdrive", analysts Jonas Siegel and Bryan Hayes discussed potential player targets for the Maple Leafs. They focused on Zibanejad, who has an eight-year, $68 million contract with the Rangers, and Sam Bennett, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent from the Panthers.

Siegel said:

"I said Zibanejad, for five more years at eight and a half, is preferable maybe to Sam Bennett at 10 and a half."

However, Hayes strongly disagreed:

"I don't know if the context of the contract was there... but Zibanejad over Sam Bennett... you are insane."

Siegel clarified that if the contract was something like 10 times seven for Sam Bennett compared to 8.5 times five for Mika Zibanejad, he would consider it but would probably lean toward Zibanejad.

Hayes interrupted:

"I'm taking Sam Bennett every single time. And bonus, I'm not even contemplating this conversation."

Hayes further highlighted that a key issue for the Rangers was Mika Zibanejad's struggle to find his game. He clarified it wasn’t about Zibanejad lacking the right DNA, but something just didn’t click.

Siegel responded by saying the whole “DNA” angle tends to get overrated. He emphasized the importance of actual talent, noting that while Sam Bennett is talented, there's a risk in focusing too much on intangibles and not enough on tangible skills. He added that the ideal is a mix of both.

With speculation that Mitch Marner may not re-sign with Toronto, it remains to be seen what moves the Maple Leafs will make in the offseason.

NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman on Mitch Marner situation with Maple Leafs

With Mitch Marner's contract coming to an end, he’s set to hit free agency on July 1 if he doesn’t reach a new deal with the Maple Leafs.

On Sunday’s episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman shared that while the Leafs have made efforts to talk with Marner, his camp hasn’t responded:

“And I think everyone knows the way this is going to be heading, that on July 1, he’s going to go out there, he’s going to hit the market, he’s going to sign a contract, and he’s not coming back to Toronto."

Marner had 102 points in 81 regular season games, adding 13 points in 13 playoff games.