Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett made headlines again today, not for his playoff heroics, but for his unexpected contract news. During the team’s Stanley Cup celebration, Bennett publicly confirmed that he’s staying with the Panthers for the long term.
“I’m not going anywhere”
While addressing fans during the celebration, Bennett declared, “Jag lämnar inte,” which translates to “I’m not leaving.” He followed it up with a simple, emphatic message: “Eight more years.” The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, sparking cheers from Panthers fans and teammates alike.
SAM BENNETT SAYS HE'S NOT F'N LEAVING. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MCr0Pk8kgI
— BarDown (@BarDown) June 20, 2025
This informal announcement follows a historic playoff run in which Bennett scored 15 goals, including a record-setting 13 on the road, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Bennett, 29, played a crucial role in helping the Panthers capture back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. His gritty play style, timely scoring, and leadership made him a defining piece of Florida’s success.
Insiders had hinted that contract negotiations were underway before the end of the season. Today’s announcement confirms that the Panthers view Bennett as a foundational piece of their future.
Contract Details and Cap Implications
While the Panthers have not yet officially released contract terms, early speculation suggests an eight-year deal worth somewhere between $7.5 and $8 million annually. The contract would make Bennett one of the highest-paid players on the roster, aligning with his performance and leadership role.
The deal also signals Florida’s commitment to keeping their Stanley Cup core intact. With Bennett locked in, the focus will shift to other key players and managing the salary cap efficiently over the next several seasons.
Reaction to Bennett’s announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans flooded social media with praise, and teammates applauded the decision during the celebration. His verbal commitment brings stability to a team that now looks poised to make a run at a potential dynasty.
Bennett’s eight-year commitment gives the Panthers a centerpiece forward alongside captain Aleksander Barkov and other rising stars. The message is clear: Florida intends to remain a contender.
With Bennett in place, general manager Bill Zito will look to extend or replace key contributors, particularly on the blue line and in secondary scoring roles. The team’s window to compete is open, and with Bennett leading the charge, expectations will remain sky-high in South Florida.
Head coach Zito is confident he can keep the band together despite only having $19 million in cap space.
"I think we can bring them all back," he told TSN's James Duthie as his team celebrated on the ice behind him.
When asked if it'd require them to take sizeable hometown discounts, Zito played coy.
"Let's just leave it at that," he said with a smile.
Luckily for Zito, all three players seem motivated to stay in Sunrise.
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