Last week, the Florida Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship, with center Sam Bennett earning the playoff MVP honors. During the victory parade on Sunday, Bennett fired back at critics with a blunt and explicit message, underscoring his defiance after the team‘s dominant playoff run.
Sam Bennett Responds to Criticism Following Playoff Hits
Bennett faced intense backlash on social media after delivering a controversial hit on goalie Anthony Stolarz during Game 1 of the second round series versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. Stolarz, who had already suffered a puck-induced facial injury earlier in the game, sustained a concussion that forced him out of play. This sparked calls from fans for Bennett to be suspended. However, the Panthers have long been recognized for their aggressive and physical style, which often draws criticism from opponents and spectators alike.
At the celebratory parade, Bennett took the microphone to confront those complaints directly, defending his team’s approach to hockey.
A lot of people, they don’t like the way we play. They call us dirty and they call us nasty. They call us bullies. So I would like to take this time to apologize to absolutely f****** no one…we’re the double champs we do what the f*** we want.
—Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers center
Bennett’s Bold Statements Continue Off the Ice
Sam Bennett has maintained his unapologetic stance since the Panthers retained their Stanley Cup title against the Edmonton Oilers. At a Miami nightclub celebration shortly before the parade, Bennett issued a sharp declaration about his future with the team. Currently in the last year of his four-year contract, he is set to become an Unrestricted Free Agent if no extension is reached by July 1.
During the festivities, Bennett made it clear he intends to remain with the Panthers.
I’m not f****** leaving.
—Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers center
Retaining Bennett is a high priority for the Panthers, alongside securing key players like Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad as they prepare for another competitive season.
Debate Over Playoff MVP: Should Brad Marchand Have Claimed the Conn Smythe?
Despite Bennett’s standout performances that earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, some voices within the NHL community argue that Brad Marchand was equally deserving. Marchand, traded mid-season from the Boston Bruins to the Panthers, initially struggled but surged in the playoffs. His clutch double-overtime goal in Game 2 and his tally of six goals in the finals highlighted his impact. Ending the postseason with 20 points, Marchand was just two points shy of Bennett’s 22.
On The Don Cherry’s Grapevine Podcast, NHL legend Don Cherry voiced his opinion favoring Marchand for the MVP title.
I thought Marchand was pretty good. Sure, give it to both of them. Marchand should have won.
—Don Cherry, NHL legend
Though Marchand and Bennett were once adversaries due to the bruins-panthers rivalry, they have since developed a strong partnership. Following the clinching Game 6 win, Bennett praised Marchand as the “biggest dawg” he has played alongside, highlighting their growing camaraderie.
Impact and What Lies Ahead for Sam Bennett and the Panthers
Sam Bennett’s vocal defense of his playing style and his commitment to staying with the Panthers signal an intense focus on maintaining the team’s championship-caliber core. The Panthers’ aggressive approach has once again proved effective, earning them back-to-back titles despite detractors labeling their tactics as dirty. Bennett’s outspokenness reinforces the team’s collective identity and resilience under pressure.
As the offseason unfolds, contract negotiations with Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad will be critical for the Panthers’ plans. Their ability to retain these players will shape their chances of defending the Stanley Cup a third consecutive year. Meanwhile, the ongoing debates over individual honors like the Conn Smythe Trophy reveal the passionate scrutiny surrounding playoff performances, adding another layer of intensity to this championship era.