The Florida Panthers are one win away from hoisting the 2025 Stanley Cup—their second in franchise history. Their current success can’t be explained without Sam Bennett’s incredible performances throughout the playoffs. His form has sparked league-wide interest in the centerman, whose contract expires on July 1st.
Not many had Sam Bennett as the Conn Smythe Trophy winner on their bingo cards, yet it’s looking like a big possibility as the Panthers stand at the gates of back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Playing in a contract year, Bennett turned it up a notch, and then some during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The former fourth overall selection in the 2014 NHL Draft has hit another gear after arriving in Florida in 2020. However, he saved his best for the 2024-25 campaign.
Bennett recorded a career-high 51 points in 76 games this season. But it was during the Stanley Cup Playoffs—when it all means more—that he unleashed his monstrous version. And now, the Panthers’ Plan A to extend their star has seemingly become obsolete.
Price just went up
According to reports from around the league, the Panthers had been trying to sign Bennett to a contract on the $56M, eight-year ($7M salary) vicinity. However, that offer is reportedly off the table after Bennett’s insane run in the postseason.
“[The Panthers] are going to keep Bennett. They tried to sign Bennett for [Carter] Verhaeghe’s deal, which is eight times $7M with bonus structure. That’s not going to get it done any more,” Elliotte Friedman said in dialogue with Sportsnet’s The FAN Hockey Show.
Road warrior
Sam Bennett leads the NHL with 15 goals so far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs—four ahead of Leon Draisaitl, who sits in second place. While that number is staggering on its own, there’s another stat that’s enough to send a chill down every team’s spine.
Bennett set an NHL record with his incredible form. He now leads the league all-time for single-playoff road goals. The Cats’ forward has scored 13 of his 15 goals on the road.
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He has proven to be the ultimate villain on a Panthers team that thrives in the NHL’s mischievous role. The 28-year-old center relishes deflating home crowds and wastes no time making his presence felt in enemy territory.