The Daily: Bennett Still Enhancing His Value; Who’s Dan Muse?

Sam Bennett showed everyone why the Detroit Red Wings and many other NHL teams are planning to bid for his services this summer if he doesn’t re-sign with the Florida Panthers.

Bennett scored two more goals in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. That gives him 12 for the postseason in 18 games. Unfortunately, his Panthers lost 4-3 to the Edmonton Oilers on an overtime power-play goal by Leon Draisaitl.

The lure of Bennett is that he raises his performance level in big games, and can be miserable to play against. He was also a 60% (9-6) face-off performer in Game 1.

Keep thinking about the immense value of Sam Bennett– speed, toughness, 25-30 goal player (maybe more with bigger role), & playoff effectiveness whether he scores or not (and he produces! 38pts last 51 games), he's a 10 million dollar player. Look at some these players who make…

— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) May 19, 2025

Bennett is one of several free agents that will interest Detroit GM Steve Yzerman. The Red Wings would like to add a top-six player who can improve their offense and be difficult to play against.  The Panthers undoubtedly will make an aggressive bid to re-sign Bennett. Even if they don’t, the Red Wings probably wouldn’t be the favorite to land him. If he doesn’t stay in Florida — and it feels as if he wants to stay if he gets the money he wants — he likely will try to sign with another contender.

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Dimitri Buchelnikov will likely come to North American if his KHL team folds.

Slava Kozlov is latest member of Detroit’s Russian Five who will coach in the KHL.

Red Wings Extra

The Toledo Walleye, who won the opening game of the Kelly Cup Finals, are now trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven ECHL championship series. The Trois-Rivières Lions beat Detroit draft pick Jan Bednar three times on 20 shots to pull out a 3-2 win in Game 3 Wednesday night. The first two games were in Toledo, and Wednesday’s game was the first of three in Trois-Rivieres. Game 4 is Friday. The Walleye have been rotating Bednar and Red Wings prospect Carter Gylander.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: There’s still a chance the Blackhawks re-sign Ryan Donato. Chicago Blackhawks. 

New Jersey: Goalie Jake Allen told the Devils he would like to stay with the club. New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia: William James offers that the Flyers need to go “all in” on Dallas Stars trade target Jason Robertson. Dallas Stars. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski explains what new Penguins coach Dan Muse is all about. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Vegas: Hannah Kirkell believes the Golden Knights will re-sign Reilly Smith. Vegas Golden Knights.