Sam Bennett, a pivotal player in the Florida Panthers’ recent success, has signed an eight-year contract extension with the team, announced on April 27, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida. This major commitment follows Bennett’s instrumental role in helping Florida clinch consecutive Stanley Cup victories and earning the prestigious 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy.
Bennett’s Key Contributions to Panthers’ Success
Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito emphasized Bennett’s unique blend of skill and toughness, praising his impact both on and off the ice.
“Sam is a special player who has mastered a unique blend of skill and physicality in his game, becoming one of the most impactful postseason performers of his generation,”
Zito said.
“He played an integral role in our two Stanley Cup championships, earning the franchise’s first Conn Smythe Trophy and is a dedicated contributor to our South Florida community off the ice. We are thrilled that he will continue his career with the Panthers.”
At 29 years old, Bennett set new personal records during the 2024-25 regular season, achieving career highs in assists (26), points (51), and power-play goals (7). He posted a seven-game point streak from late November to early December, registering four goals and four assists during that stretch. With 25 goals, Bennett ranked second on the team behind Sam Reinhart, and he delivered 145 hits, ranking fourth in the Panthers’ lineup.
Career Highlights and Statistical Achievements
Bennett has played 691 NHL games, divided between Florida since 2020-21 and Calgary Flames from 2014-15 to 2020-21. Over this span, he has accumulated 336 points (162 goals and 174 assists). His performance during Florida’s 2025 Stanley Cup championship run was especially remarkable: Bennett led all playoff skaters with 15 goals and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the postseason.
In the playoffs, Bennett’s success on the road was historic, scoring 13 goals outside Florida’s home arena and surpassing the NHL record of 11 road postseason goals set by Mark Scheifele in 2017-18. Notably, Bennett scored in each of Florida’s final six road games, nearing Brian Propp’s NHL record of seven consecutive road playoff games with a goal. He also matched his team’s lead with 11 even-strength goals and contributed 69 shots on goal, the highest on the Panthers during the playoffs.
Bennett completed the postseason with 107 hits, second among all NHL skaters, demonstrating his physical presence alongside his scoring ability.
Impact Since Joining Florida and Previous Career Development
Since being acquired from Calgary in the 2020-21 season, Bennett has recorded 196 points (95 goals and 101 assists) through 289 regular season games for the Panthers. He has added 59 points (29 goals and 30 assists) across 77 playoff games, playing a major role in Florida winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2023-24 and 2024-25. His 338 postseason hits since the 2021 playoffs are the most for any Florida player and exceed the totals of all NHL players, with Evander Kane trailing at 284 hits in the same period.
Before his NHL career, Bennett played three seasons with the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), compiling 155 points in 128 games. He earned recognition on the OHL Second All-Rookie Team in 2012-13 and the Third All-Star Team the following season. Additionally, he received the Canadian Hockey League’s Top Draft Prospect Award in 2013-14.
International Success and Draft History
On the international stage, Bennett has been part of several gold medal-winning teams for Canada. He won the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring in the championship game, and earned gold at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championship with seven points over seven games. Bennett also secured gold at the 2013 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. His strong junior and international performances led to his selection by Calgary as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft.
What This Extension Means for the Panthers’ Future
Bennett’s long-term agreement strengthens the Panthers’ core as they aim to build on their momentum from back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. His blend of scoring, physicality, and playoff leadership offers Florida stability and star power at the forward position for years to come. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing Bennett’s continued contributions as the team prepares for the 2025-26 season.