Panthers F Sam Bennett signs 8-year, $64M extension

Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett signed an eight-year, $64 million extension with the Florida Panthers on Friday night.

Bennett, who turned 29 earlier this month, is now under contract through the 2032-33 season. The forward's new salary cap hit of $8 million per season is up sharply from $4.425 million on his previous deal.

Bennett recorded a career-high 51 points (25 goals, career-high 26 assists) in 76 games in the 2024-25 regular season and 22 points (15 goals, seven assists) in 23 playoff games for the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.

"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," Florida general manager 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 has registered 336 points (162 goals, 174 assists) in 691 career games with Calgary (2014-21) and Florida since the Flames drafted him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2014.

In the postseason, Bennett has contributed 78 points (40 goals, 38 assists) in 107 games. He led all players in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs in goals (15), even-strength goals (11) and penalty minutes (48) en route to receiving the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

--Field Level Media