Panthers Pulse: Sam Bennett a Key Piece Entering Contract Year

Going into a contract year, Sam Bennett will once again be a key piece for the Florida Panthers - but could it be his final season in Sunrise?

Photo by Colby Guy

Leading up to the beginning of training camp, Pucks and Palms will be previewing each of the key pieces of the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers in a series called ‘Panthers Pulse’ heading into the 2024-25 season. Sam Bennett is next.

2023-24 Stats: 20 goals, 41 points, 69 GP (Playoffs: seven goals, 14 points, 19 GP)

After being a crucial piece to the Florida Panthers run to the Stanley Cup, Sam Bennett is one of a few key pieces entering the final season of his contract.

He has been a mainstay as Florida’s second-line center since arriving via a trade from the Calgary Flames during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 campaign and eventually signing a four-year deal carrying a $4.425 million cap hit.

Bennett scored at least 20 goals in two of his first three full seasons in South Florida, falling short just once when he scored 16 in 63 games during the 2022-23 season. He also has a pair of five-plus goal playoff campaigns in each of Florida’s consecutive runs to the Stanley Cup Final.

He has made himself well-known as a playoff performer, too. He ranks fifth in the Panthers' playoff history in goals (14) and fourth in points (37) in 54 playoff games in South Florida.

There are just a couple of caveats that could make him the most expendable of Florida’s three major pending unrestricted agents next offseason.

For one, Anton Lundell looks more than ready to make the jump to the Top 6 at some point. He made that apparent with three goals and 17 points in 24 playoff games — including five assists in the Cup Final — before earning a brand new deal that carries a $5 million cap hit.

With the Panthers projected to have just over $22 million in cap space in the 2025 offseason, per PuckPedia, Aaron Ekblad and Carter Verhaeghe also due for new contracts, and multiple spots on the blue line set to be open, $5 million may be a bit of a hefty price for a third-line center.

Bennett has also missed 32 games in the past two years due to injury, which could be a concern when committing to him long-term due to his physical play style.

But then again, this is all for the Panthers to figure out next July.

Coming into this season, Bennett will still be the same physical lightning rod that has energized this Panthers team for the past four years — and helped lead them to the Stanley Cup.

His chemistry with Matthew Tkachuk has been undeniable, with the two being tied to each other’s hip for a large majority of the superstar’s two-year tenure in South Florida. No matter who is on the other wing, they make for one of the most irritating lines to play against in the NHL.

He has also proven to be an identity player for the Panthers. Coach Paul Maurice has said that much multiple times.

Bennett brings speed and tenacity on the forecheck that not many guys have, which is a pillar of Florida’s game.

Regardless of the situation at hand, Bennett will be a key piece for the Panthers as they look to defend their 2024 Stanley Cup title.

Up Next in Panthers Pulse: Evan Rodrigues

Previously: Matthew Tkachuk, Gustav Forsling