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yesterday

Panthers Cement Dynasty Core by Signing Sam Bennett to Eight-Year, $64 Million Extension

Bennett’s raise to an $8 million cap hit leaves the Panthers with about $11 million in space for other marquee free agents, including Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad.

Image
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) is awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy after Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Jun 14, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) controls the puck against Edmonton Oilers during the first period in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images/File Photo
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) skates with the Stanley Cup after Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 17, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Overview

  • Sam Bennett signed an eight-year, $64 million extension with Florida on June 27, securing his stay through the 2032–33 season.
  • The deal doubles Bennett’s average annual value from $4.425 million to $8 million after he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
  • He built on a career-best 51-point regular season by leading all players with 15 goals in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.
  • Extending Bennett reduces Florida’s cap room to roughly $11 million, positioning the team to negotiate with pending free agents Marchand and Ekblad.
  • GM Bill Zito praised Bennett’s blend of skill and physicality, highlighting his integral role in back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.