Panthers re-sign Sam Bennett to an 8-year, $64-million contract
Florida Panthers forward and Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett may of had some liquid courage in him when he was celebrating the Stanley Cup win screaming he wasn't going to leave Florida, but as expected, all the business has now been completed after their week-long celebration.
The Panthers announced on Friday they have come to terms with Bennett on an eight-year contract extension, worth $8 million AAV. The deal also includes a full no-movement clause for the first five seasons and a partial no-trade for the final three. The deal keeps Bennett with the Panthers through the 2032-33 season. It's a huge raise for Bennett who was making $4.4 million on his last deal.
EIGHT MORE YEARS.
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 27, 2025
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“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,” said Zito. “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 just had a historic playoff run, scoring 15 goals, and finishing the postseason tied for the team lead with 22 points. Bennett has spent the past four-plus seasons with the Panthers ever since he was dealt to the team by the Calgary Flames in April 2021. In 289 games with the Cats, he’s notched 95 goals and 101 assists for 196 points, including 59 points in 77 postseason games.
The Panthers now have their top three centers - Aleksander Barkov, Bennett, and Anton Lundell - all signed until at least 2030.Bennett was one of several pending unrestricted free agents for GM Bill Zito to worry about this offseason. Right-handed defenseman Aaron Ekblad and trade-deadline pickup Brad Marchand are among their top remaining UFAs. Florida has $11 million left in cap space.
