Sam Bennett signs $64M deal with NHL champion Panthers: How much is Matthew Tkachuk earning compared to him?

Sam Bennett’s contract saga has finally come to an end, as he signed an eight-year extension with the Florida Panthers, securing the NHL back-to-back champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner. His new contract situation sets up a direct comparison with another team star, Matthew Tkachuk.

Bennett will remain with the Panthers through the 2032–33 season, signing after being the top priority for the Sunrise front office. During the Stanley Cup championship celebrations, fans chanted “8 more years,” and the story ultimately came true, far from any offseason speculation.

Early last week, talks between Bennett and the Panthers had stalled, but they quickly resolved their differences and finalized the deal before July 1. The $64 million contract raises the question of whether he is now the team’s highest-paid player or how his salary stacks up against Tkachuk.

Is Sam Bennett the highest-paid player on the Panthers?

Despite his massive deal, Bennett is not the highest-paid player on the team. His contract does not surpass Tkachuk’s, who has an eight-year, $76 million deal with a $9.5 million cap hit per season. The “Rat King” is signed through the 2029–30 season.

Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers

The total contract difference between the two is $12 million, meaning Tkachuk earns more than Bennett. For 2025–26, Tkachuk’s base salary will be $1 million, plus $10.25 million in bonuses, totaling $11.25 million. These numbers now push Florida to find new ways to manage the rest of their pending extensions.

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Panthers GM Bill Zito makes clear statement on Sam Bennett after $64 Million contract, Conn Smythe win

Situations of Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand

With Bennett’s extension finalized, the Panthers are now focused on new deals for Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad, who will become free agents on July 1 if they don’t sign new contracts. The 37-year-old forward is the second priority for the Panthers, who are reportedly preparing a three-year offer. Ekblad, meanwhile, is expected to receive a deal worth around $6 million per season.