Sam Bennett's return to the Florida Panthers seems uncertain, with ongoing speculation about his potential re-signing. Reports indicate that discussions have stalled, and Bennett's preference leans towards remaining in the U.S. If he hits the open market, teams are likely to pursue him aggressively.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly more inclined to consider Brad Marchand over Bennett, as it appears that Marchand would fit better in their lineup. The situation surrounding Morgan Rielly remains unchanged, with little to suggest he wishes to leave Toronto despite ongoing chatter. The Leafs also face decisions on other players, including the possibility of moving Nick Robertson and the fit of Nikolaj Ehlers on the team.

Corey Perry, at 40 years old, is gearing up for another NHL season, expressing his unwavering passion for the game. With an impressive career that includes five Stanley Cup Finals in the last six years, Perry boasts 935 points in 1,392 regular-season games and 137 points in 231 playoff appearances. His only championship came in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks.

On the contract front, discussions are swirling around John Tavares potentially opting for a longer-term deal at a lower cap hit, similar to contracts signed by Chris Tanev and Yanni Gourde. Meanwhile, the future of Morgan Rielly in Toronto raises eyebrows, especially concerning a possible fit with the Vancouver Canucks.

The trade rumors surrounding Morgan Rielly, the Toronto Maple Leafs' defenseman, have intensified as speculation about his future with the team grows. Rielly, who holds a no-trade clause, has been a key player for the Leafs but has faced challenges, particularly in pressure situations. With the Vancouver Canucks' roster issues, there is potential interest in acquiring Rielly if he agrees to waive his trade protection. However, the complexities of Rielly's current contract and his past performance raise questions about whether a trade could benefit both teams.

The conversation also touches upon the Vancouver Canucks' evolving situation, particularly if their star defenseman Quinn Hughes may not remain with the team long-term. This scenario could lead the Canucks to pursue Rielly as a viable alternative, allowing them to remain competitive while they rebuild their roster. It's essential to analyze Rielly's capabilities, especially his offensive contributions, which could be leveraged differently in a new environment.

Jamie Benn, the long-time captain of the Dallas Stars, expressed his desire to stay with the team next season. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Benn, now 36, stated, "I don’t see myself going anywhere else. This is all I know." His 16-year tenure with the Stars speaks volumes about his commitment, and he hopes to finalize a deal that would keep him in Dallas, alleviating questions regarding his future.

Meanwhile, discussions around the Toronto Maple Leafs' roster are heating up. Analyst John Shannon suggested that the team should consider not re-signing marquee players such as Mitch Marner and John Tavares, indicating a potential shift in strategy. He even floated the idea of trading Auston Matthews if necessary, highlighting concerns about player satisfaction, particularly with Morgan Rielly. As the offseason approaches, these decisions may significantly impact the Maple Leafs' future trajectory.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are grappling with the ramifications of another playoff disappointment after their 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7. Criticism has emerged regarding key players, with defenseman Morgan Rielly facing backlash for his performance. Rielly, who has a hefty contract and a full no-movement clause, is considered by some as part of the problem. Despite contributing with 41 points in the regular season and another 7 in the playoffs, his defensive lapses during crucial moments have sparked calls for changes in the core roster.

Rielly acknowledged the team's struggles, particularly in the second period of the decisive game, but showed reluctance about the idea of being traded. The sentiment around the Leafs is one of urgency for change, with key figures like president Brendan Shanahan and forward Mitch Marner also being scrutinized. The future of the franchise hinges on decisions made in the offseason as the team looks to break free from its playoff struggles.