Sam Bennett, the Florida Panthers forward, has recently been criticized for his $64 million contract, landing eighth on The Athletic’s list of worst NHL contracts for 2025. However, Bennett’s clutch playoff performances during back-to-back Stanley Cup wins challenge the negative view of his deal, revealing a stark contrast between regular-season evaluations and postseason value.

Criticism Surrounding Bennett’s Expensive Contract

Analyst Dom Luszczyszyn expressed serious doubts about Bennett’s lengthy, $64 million, eight-year contract, especially considering the financial commitment extends through most of the player’s 30s. Luszczyszyn pointed out that, taken purely on paper, the deal appears excessive and risky in the long term. He stated,

“In a vacuum, $8 million for Bennett is too much, and so too is an eight-year term that will take up most of his 30s. In a vacuum, this deal may not age very well, and it’s on this list for that reason,”

—Dom Luszczyszyn, Analyst

This viewpoint highlights why Bennett’s contract made the “worst deals” list, a ranking reserved for players whom many feel are overpaid relative to their regular-season output. Bennett’s regular season statistics from the 2024-25 campaign—25 goals and 51 points in 76 games—suggest a value closer to $5.5 million per year, falling short of justifying his current $8 million annual cap hit.

How Sam Bennett Shines When the Stakes Are Highest

Despite skepticism over his regular-season production, Bennett’s true worth emerges in playoff scenarios. During Florida’s championship run, he led the NHL with 15 goals and registered 22 points, a substantial increase that marked him as a critical postseason contributor. This surge in performance distinguishes Bennett from many of his peers who cannot elevate their game under pressure.

Luszczyszyn recognized this postseason leap, noting Bennett’s ability to play at a level more akin to a $10.5 million star when it matters most. This marked improvement under pressure is uncommon and grants Bennett added value that extends beyond regular season metrics.

In addition to his scoring, Bennett brings a physical, relentless style that exhausts opponents across grueling playoff matchups. His aggressive play wears down defenses, opening scoring chances for teammates while disrupting opposing game plans.

Supported by defensive specialists like Aleksander Barkov and Anton Lundell, Bennett is often freed up in offensive roles where he can capitalize on high-pressure opportunities. This dynamic enhances his overall impact during the postseason, further validating the Panthers’ investment.

Why Florida’s Cap Strategy Supports Bennett’s Contract

The structure of the Panthers’ salary cap situation offers significant context to Bennett’s deal. Florida has secured affordable, team-friendly contracts with key players such as Sam Reinhart, Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Lundell, Gustav Forsling, and Aaron Ekblad. This financial management provides the flexibility to accommodate Bennett’s contract without threatening the team’s salary cap health or long-term competitiveness.

Luszczyszyn emphasized that Bennett’s contract does not represent a major issue for the Panthers. Within Florida’s overall cap strategy and its collection of effective bargain contracts, the risk posed by Bennett’s deal is contained and considered manageable. From the team’s perspective, the contract aligns with their current championship window rather than existing as an isolated questionable agreement.

What Lies Ahead for Bennett and His $64 Million Deal

Although Bennett’s contract ranks near the bottom of The Athletic’s worst deals, with only Cody Ceci and Tanner Jeannot rated lower, he remains positioned for a positive trajectory. Other notable names ranked worse include Jonathan Huberdeau, Ivan Provorov, and Sean Couturier, but Bennett’s playoff performances offer a compelling case for redemption.

If Bennett continues to raise his level in future playoff runs and maintains his growing consistency, his $64 million commitment could reveal itself as a savvy move rather than a burden. This potential shift could not only reshape perceptions of his contract but also underscore his critical role in sustaining the Panthers’ championship aspirations.