SPORTS sport Admin July 2, 2025 0 Comments

Panthers Keep Playoff MVP Sam Bennett with Blockbuster 8-Year Extension

SUNRISE, Fla. (June 27, 2025) — Just hours before hitting unrestricted free agency, the Florida Panthers secured their playoff hero, Sam Bennett, with a massive eight‑year, $64 million contract extension 🇨🇦✨. The deal, officially announced on Friday night, runs through the 2032–33 NHL season and includes an $8 million annual cap hit, nearly doubling Bennett’s previous $4.425 million salary .

At 29, Bennett capped off a career-defining 2024–25 campaign — posting a personal best 51 points in the regular season followed by a staggering 22 points (15 goals, 7 assists) in just 23 playoff games. He led all postseason players with 15 goals, even-strength goals (11), and an aggressive 48 penalty minutes en route to earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL’s playoff MVP — the first Pantera to claim the honor .

The Panthers, fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup triumphs, locked down Bennett as part of a broader strategy to retain their core. General Manager Bill Zito praised Bennett’s rare blend of skill and toughness and highlighted his off-ice leadership and community impact .

Bennett expressed his enthusiasm, recalling the moment fans serenaded him at the Cup parade:

> “Eight more years!” they chanted, and they got their wish .

He also shared a heartfelt moment describing the rush of FaceTimes from teammates:

“The group chat was going nuts … I was definitely feeling the love,” he said .

Beyond financial security, Bennett and his fiancée, Zoe Zeleny, are focused on expanding their philanthropic initiative “Benny’s Buddies,” which funds adoption fees for shelter animals — a program that’s already found homes for dozens of pets this season .

This landmark extension cements Bennett as a foundational piece of a Panthers dynasty. With elite talents like Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aaron Ekblad secured, Florida is positioning itself as a long-term contender in both wins and culture .

Quick contract summary:

Term: 8 years, through 2032–33

AAV: $8 million per season

New cap hit: from $4.425M → $8M

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Bottom line: Sam Bennett’s new deal is more than a reward—it’s a declaration. Florida’s championship core remains intact, and with their playoff MVP locked up, the Panthers are rolling full-throttle into the next er

a of Stanley Cup contention.