Panthers Secure Sam Bennett: 8-Year Extension and Playoff MVP

Sam Bennett Stays with the Panthers: Signs Multi-Million Dollar Extension

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Florida Panthers playoffs, Sam Bennett, has secured his future with the team. During the Stanley Cup celebrations, Bennett confirmed to the fans that he would not leave, and now he has kept his promise. The Panthers announced the signing of an eight-year contract extension with Bennett, just before the start of the NHL draft on Friday night. Bennett, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, was one of the most sought-after centers available on the market. Bennett’s new contract has an impact on the salary cap of $8 million annually, a significant increase compared to the $4.425 million of his previous contract. Despite this, the agreement could be lower than the offers Bennett would have received from other teams as a free agent. The Panthers, like other NHL teams in states without income tax, have taken advantage of this advantage. Bennett, 29, recorded 25 goals and 26 assists in 76 games during the regular season. His performance in the playoffs was even more impressive, with 11 goals and 12 assists (23 points) in 21 games. His physical play earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. In the previous season, Bennett accumulated 14 points in 19 playoff games, contributing to the Panthers’ Stanley Cup victory.

“Sam is a special player who has mastered a unique combination of skill and physicality in his game, becoming one of the most impactful players in the postseason of his generation,” commented Panthers General Manager Bill Zito. “He played an integral role in our two Stanley Cup championships, winning the franchise’s first Conn Smythe Trophy and is a dedicated contributor to our South Florida community off the ice. We are delighted that he will continue his career with the Panthers.”

Bill Zito, General Manager of the Panthers

In his 691 games with the Panthers and the Calgary Flames, a team from which Florida acquired him in 2021, Bennett has accumulated 162 goals and 174 assists. Bennett was one of three high-profile unrestricted free agents for the Panthers this offseason, along with winger Brad Marchand and defenseman Aaron Ekblad.