The Florida Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup champions in the NHL and there is no other place to be but at Fort Lauderdale Beach for the parade. Amid a vivid speech, Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett sent Bill Zito a message about his future.
The Panthers are the best team in the NHL—by a landslide. After consecutive Stanley Cup conquests, there is no place anyone on the roster would rather be. Florida is the team to beat, though that’s way easier said than done.
After his MVP run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Bennett has made up his mind about his future, sending Zito a blunt request. While the center has drawn interest from all around the NHL, he seemingly isn’t interested in moving out of South Florida.
“Eight more years, please,” Bennett said to finish his speech during the Florida Panthers’ Championship Celebration at Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers looks on after scoring during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 11, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
Blown leverage
In an era where most players are PR-trained and their statements feel meticulously crafted, Bennett threw all of that out the window. The 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner made a blunt admission during the team’s nightclub celebration in Miami earlier this week—seemingly spoiling any suspense about his future.
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“I’m not [expletive] leaving,” Bennett shouted to the crowd’s amusement and eruption. The comment made waves all over the league, and even on teammate Aaron Ekblad, who is also set to become an UFA in the NHL on July. Ekblad took his time during the celebrations to joke about Bennett’s statement.
“It’s funny, after E11EVEN my agent called me and said ‘Make sure you don’t say whatever Benny said,” Ekblad admitted. “You’ve got to hold on to that leverage, eh Benny.”
