The Florida Panthers have secured a key piece of their championship-winning team by signing forward Sam Bennett to an eight-year contract extension. The deal, announced Friday, carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8 million, totaling $64 million over the contract's term.

Bennett, who is 29 years old, is coming off a stellar season where he played a crucial role in the Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. This season, he recorded 51 points (25 goals, 26 assists) in 76 regular-season games. His performance elevated even further in the playoffs, where he tallied 22 points (15 goals, 7 assists) in 23 games, helping the Panthers secure their second consecutive Stanley Cup. Bennett's outstanding play earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. He also set an NHL record with 13 road goals during the playoffs.

"My whole focus was on winning the Stanley Cup," Bennett said regarding the Conn Smythe Trophy. "It's a huge honor to be nominated as the MVP, but there truly are 25 MVPs on this team, and it could've gone to anyone. I'm obviously super grateful, it means the world to me, but I really couldn't have done it without this whole group".

Bennett was originally drafted by the Calgary Flames as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. Throughout his NHL career, he has amassed 336 points (162 goals, 174 assists) in 691 regular-season games played for both the Flames and the Panthers. Additionally, he has contributed 78 points (40 goals, 38 assists) in 107 playoff games. Bennett also played a key role in the Panthers' 2024 Stanley Cup victory, recording 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in 19 playoff games.

Panthers General Manager Bill Zito expressed his excitement about Bennett's continued presence with the team. "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," Zito said. "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". With this contract extension, the Panthers are solidifying their core group as they aim to continue their championship contention in the coming years.