In the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Florida Panthers’ center Sam Bennett has unexpectedly risen as the frontrunner for the Conn Smythe Trophy, overshadowing the highly anticipated Matthew Tkachuk Florida Panthers playoff performance. Despite Tkachuk’s impressive return from injury and strong contribution, Bennett’s clutch scoring and consistent impact have captured attention across the NHL postseason.
Bennett’s Playoff Surge Sparks Panthers’ Deep Run
After missing the entire regular season due to injury sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Matthew Tkachuk returned in Game 1 of the Panthers’ first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, quickly amassing 16 points, including 5 goals and 11 assists. His pivotal power-play goal in the second period of Game 5 against the Hurricanes sparked a crucial comeback. Alongside him, offseason acquisition Brad Marchand has been instrumental, accumulating 14 points in 17 playoff games and ranking fourth in postseason scoring for Florida.
Yet, the Panthers’ success cannot be attributed to a few stars alone. A remarkable 19 different players on the roster have scored at least once in the playoffs, showcasing the team’s balanced attack. Among them, Sam Bennett’s recent performance has stood out. Over the last five games, he has posted 7 points, including a 3-point night on the road against Carolina, bringing his total to 16 playoff points, matching Tkachuk.
Bennett’s 10 goals in the playoffs—four of which have been game-winners—highlight his clutch presence on the ice. He also exceeded his regular-season production with 25 goals, second only to Sam Reinhart. While Reinhart delivered 4 goals this postseason, Bennett’s tally emphasizes his critical role, which has drawn acclaim from NHL veteran Jeff O’Neill.
Jeff O’Neill Names Bennett as Clear Conn Smythe Favorite
During a recent episode of TSN’s OverDrive, hosts Bryan Hayes and Jeff O’Neill debated Florida’s playoff performances and the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy. When asked to identify a frontrunner from the Panthers, O’Neill was emphatic:
“Yeah, it’s Sam Bennett. Confirm it. I’ll confirm it’s Sam Bennett.”
—Jeff O’Neill, NHL Analyst
O’Neill dismissed other candidates like Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart in the MVP discussion, pointing out that Barkov’s postseason points largely stem from assists, and Reinhart had not scored consistently. He added:
“I don’t even think it’s close, to be honest with you. It’s not Barkov ripping it home every night, or Reinhardt hasn’t played and hasn’t been scoring.”
—Jeff O’Neill, NHL Analyst
Though Barkov leads Florida’s playoff scoring with 17 points, only 6 of those came from goals, reinforcing the argument that Bennett’s goal-scoring ability is more impactful. With Bennett already surpassing his postseason point totals from both 2023 and last year’s Cup-winning run, his momentum makes him a standout MVP candidate. Panthers coach Paul Maurice even regards him as the embodiment of the team’s identity.
The Conn Smythe Trophy Race Remains Open Amidst Strong Competition
Despite Bennett’s standout showing, the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy is far from settled. Connor McDavid leads the NHL playoffs with 24 points and carries the narrative of Edmonton’s quest for redemption after their Finals defeat last year. McDavid’s dominance and leadership make him a formidable candidate unlikely to be overlooked if the Oilers advance.
Within the Panthers’ roster, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky also merits serious consideration. His .911 save percentage and 2.11 goals-against average reflect clutch goaltending that has limited the Hurricanes to just four goals in the first three games of the Eastern Conference Final. The resilience of the Panthers as a whole, especially in high-pressure situations, has drawn praise from commentators like Hayes and O’Neill, who noted Florida’s ability to rebound quickly after setbacks such as Carolina’s Game 4 victory.
Panthers’ Depth and Leadership Fuel High-Stakes Playoffs
The Panthers’ depth has been a defining factor this postseason, with contributions coming from nearly every line. Beyond Bennett, Tkachuk, Marchand, and Barkov, the team’s collective efforts have maintained their East coast playoff push. Despite the pressure against Carolina’s strong roster, Florida’s balanced attack and defensive solidity continue to make them a formidable contender.
The Panthers demonstrated their composure in Game 5 by shutting down the Hurricanes’ comeback attempts, a testament to their experience and strategic discipline. This performance also suggests Bennett’s tally of game-winning goals is no coincidence but a sign of his pivotal presence when the stakes are highest.
Implications for the Panthers and the Stanley Cup Outcome
If the Panthers maintain their current trajectory, Bennett’s candidacy for the Conn Smythe Trophy could become nearly impossible to ignore, exemplifying the vital role of clutch scoring in deep playoff runs. However, should the Oilers succeed in their revenge arc, led by McDavid’s unparalleled postseason dominance, Bennett’s bid could face significant hurdles.
Beyond individual accolades, Florida’s performance highlights the importance of team synergy in the playoffs. Their unusually broad scoring distribution and strong defensive play make them challengers capable of contending for the Stanley Cup, underscoring why the Professional Hockey Writers Association faces a difficult decision this year.
The continuing evolution of the Panthers’ playoff story will be closely watched, with Bennett’s role at the forefront. As the postseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will be evaluating whether Bennett’s surge is enough to outshine other MVP favorites and eventually secure the league’s most prestigious individual award.