Sam Bennett’s NHL Aspirations
EDMONTON, Alberta — Sam Bennett has elevated his expectations in the NHL, where reaching the Stanley Cup Final is no longer just a dream for him; it has become a routine. Currently in his fifth season with the Florida Panthers, Bennett has already secured three consecutive trips to the league’s championship series. This Wednesday, he will team up again with his NFL family to pursue back-to-back titles against childhood friend Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.
“It’s just expected now,” Bennett shared regarding the team’s aspirations. “The entire organization, from management to coaching staff, players, and even the training personnel, shares a collective goal: fighting for the Stanley Cup. Anything less is unacceptable to us. That’s our mentality.”
Focus on Playoffs and Future
His commitment to winning is evident, especially when recalling moments from **Game 7 against Toronto**, where he expressed to linemate Carter Verhaeghe his determination to keep playing:
“I wasn’t ready to stop playing hockey. I’ve got at least another month in me,”
indicating he is focused solely on the playoffs for now.
Looking ahead to free agency on July 1, Bennett is expected to be one of the top centers available, likely attracting offers exceeding what the Panthers could provide. Nevertheless, he appears to recognize the difficulty of maintaining success in the NHL and is pondering whether leaving Florida, where he is thriving, is the right move.
“Everything else is on the back burner right now,”
he said, emphasizing his playoff focus.
Career Growth and Team Dynamics
Once a struggling player in Calgary, where he faced challenges during the pandemic-affected 2021 season, Bennett was traded to the Panthers and has since utilized his skill set effectively, tallying three seasons of over 20 goals and leading the NHL this postseason with ten goals—one shy of the Panthers’ playoff record. He also achieved an impressive scoring record of four goals and seven points against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.
Bennett’s emphasis right now is purely on team success—
“My only goal right now is winning the Stanley Cup,”
he stated. His performance against Carolina showcased his versatility; he brought both offensive power and a physical edge to the game, solidifying his reputation as a crucial playoff player, as noted by teammate Matthew Tkachuk, who described Bennett as “the definition of a playoff player.”
According to Tkachuk, the change in Bennett’s environment upon joining the Panthers allowed him to flourish.
“He always had talent and work ethic. The difference is opportunity,”
Tkachuk mentioned, pointing out that Bennett didn’t have the same chances while playing for Calgary.
Recognized Talent and Future Considerations
Brad Marchand, another seasoned player, has also quickly recognized Bennett’s talent and grit, having faced him in previous playoff matchups.
“Benny just does everything you could want in a player,”
said Marchand, who appreciates Bennett’s unique blend of skill and physicality on the ice, emphasizing that he is a constant presence during pivotal moments of the game.
Bennett’s revival in Florida also stems from his return to a central role. Drafted fourth overall in 2014, he believes that playing at center allows him to maximize his skills, enabling him to utilize his speed and physicality on the forecheck effectively. Coach Paul Maurice highlighted this synergy, especially with Bennett’s chemistry with Tkachuk, contributing to a more dynamic on-ice partnership than he experienced in Calgary.
As discussions loom about Bennett’s future contracts, Panthers President Bill Zito appreciated Bennett’s contributions beyond just statistics, highlighting his character and dedication to the team.
“He doesn’t get enough credit… He’s humble, very bright, and a gamer off the ice as well. Players trust him because he genuinely wants to win.”
Reflecting on his transition to Florida, Bennett expressed gratitude for how the organization has embraced him, noting that it marked a turning point in his career.
Looking ahead, there’s uncertainty regarding Bennett’s contract status with several key free agents on the horizon for the Panthers. With a team cap strategy that limits offers to forward players, it seems likely that Bennett could potentially get a deal lower than what he might find in free agency. Zito stated,
“We’ll focus on the playoffs now and deal with contract discussions later,”
affirming that the organization’s priority remains the championship chase. With a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final ahead, Bennett is reminded that sometimes loyalty to a successful team is the most rewarding path as he considers his options.
