Sam Bennett Shocks NHL With Ridiculous Salary Claim as Condition to Join Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON — May 29, 2025
In what is being called one of the most stunning contract demands in recent NHL history, forward Sam Bennett has reportedly requested an eye-popping \$18 million per season to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs — a salary that would make him the highest-paid player in NHL history by a staggering margin.
Sources close to the situation revealed that during early negotiations with Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving, Bennett’s camp laid out a “non-negotiable” condition for him to wear the blue and white: a seven-year deal worth \$126 million.
That figure not only dwarfs the current top salaries of superstars like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, but has left the league’s front offices and fans in collective disbelief.
“Bennett believes he brings a unique combination of grit, playoff intensity, and offensive upside that’s being undervalued across the league,” said an anonymous source familiar with the talks. “He sees himself as the final piece of Toronto’s Stanley Cup puzzle — and he’s pricing himself accordingly.”
Bennett, 28, is coming off a solid season with the Florida Panthers, where he notched 24 goals and 31 assists over 71 games. Known for his aggressive style and clutch playoff performances, he has carved out a reputation as a reliable middle-six center with the ability to elevate his game when it matters most. But few expected this level of salary ambition.
Fans and analysts alike were quick to react. Hockey Night in Canada analyst Kevin Bieksa called the demand “absurd,” while TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that the Leafs were “blindsided” by the number and have placed all discussions on hold.
“The Leafs have cap space issues as it is,” Dreger explained. “To bring in Bennett at nearly double Matthews’ AAV? That’s not happening unless they offload half the roster.”
Social media exploded with memes and satire, with some fans joking that Bennett must also be asking for a seat in the owners’ box and partial control of concessions at Scotiabank Arena.
In a brief statement to the media, Bennett’s agent declined to confirm the salary figure but emphasized that “Sam knows his value and is committed to finding the right fit — financially and competitively.”
As for the Maple Leafs, insiders suggest that the team is still exploring options but is “extremely unlikely” to entertain anything close to the reported number.
Whether this bold move by Bennett is a genuine valuation of his worth or a strategic ploy to stay in Florida with leverage remains to be seen. One thing is clear: this jaw-dropping demand has sent shockwaves through the NHL and set a new bar for contract theatrics.