The cash-strapped defending champion Florida Panthers have managed to retain one of their best players.
Friday night, they re-signed center Sam Bennett to an eight-year, $64 million extension worth an annual average value of $8 million.
Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as NHL playoff MVP after scoring 15 goals in 23 playoff games.
“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,” Panthers GM Bill Zito said in a release. “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.”
Bennett posted the following clip from The Wolf of Wall Street upon the news being announced online.
The 29-year-old forward notched career highs in assists (26), points (51), and power-play goals (7) during the 2024-25 season. Bennett finished second on the team with 25 goals, trailing only Sam Reinhart (39). He also delivered 145 hits to opposing players, the fourth most on the club.
Bennett becomes the eighth player the Panthers have signed through 2030 or beyond, joining Sasha Barkov, Gustav Forsling, Seth Jones, Anton Lundell, Sam Reinhart, Matthew Tkachuk, and Carter Verhaeghe.
With Bennett signed, the Panthers have $11 million in cap space going into next season, per Puck Pedia. They have only 15 skaters and one goaltender under contract.
