With the salary cap increasing to $95.5 million in 2025-26, the Montreal Canadiens will have huge flexibility this summer.

In my opinion, Kent Hughes must take advantage of this to add some reinforcements on offense.

One name that keeps coming up is Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers, who just so happened to be at the Bell Centre for the Canadiens’ most recent game.

The power forward could become a free agent on July 1, and he would bring exactly what the Habs are missing: “grit,” character, and a physical presence at center.

On the PoolCast, Pascal Cameron mentioned that he’d be willing to offer him the same salary as Nick Suzuki. Wow.

He sees Bennett as a player who doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice himself for his team and who could really help the Habs take a step forward-especially in the playoffs.

Sam Bennett: The Ideal Target for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens This Summer?

Bruno Gervais shares that opinion as well.

On L’Antichambre, he explained that Bennett excels where the Canadiens have gaps: he goes to the net, agitates the opposition, and plays a perfect playoff-style game.

Even Georges Laraque believes the team should make an aggressive offer, suggesting a contract of $7 million per year for 7 years if Bennett becomes available.

At 28 years old, Bennett has a solid build (6 foot 1, 193 lbs) and has already recorded 22 goals and 45 points in 67 games this season.

His current contract at $4.425 million per year ends this summer. I think the Habs should seriously consider this option.

Bennett could become a key piece to complete the rebuild and prepare the team for next year’s playoffs.

He will definitely be a name to watch in July when NHL free agency opens.