**DONE DEAL: Sam Bennett Inks 8-Year Extension with Florida Panthers, Secures Long-Term Future as Key Piece of Stanley Cup Contenders’ Core**
*Sunrise, FL — June 28, 2025*
The Florida Panthers have locked up one of their most vital pieces for the long haul.
In a move that solidifies their status as perennial contenders, the Panthers announced today that forward **Sam Bennett** has signed a lucrative **8-year contract extension**, worth a reported **\$52 million** (\$6.5 million AAV), keeping him in Sunrise through the **2032-33 season**.
The deal ensures the gritty, two-way center remains a central part of the team’s core — a group that just brought the Stanley Cup to Florida for the first time in franchise history earlier this month.
### “Sam IS Florida Hockey”
“Sam brings everything we want in a Panther,” said General Manager Bill Zito during a packed press conference at Amerant Bank Arena. “Skill, toughness, leadership, heart. He plays our brand of hockey. He’s earned this — and then some.”
Zito, flanked by head coach Paul Maurice and team president Matt Caldwell, was visibly emotional as he spoke of Bennett’s journey — from being a mid-season acquisition in 2021 to becoming one of the heartbeat players of the franchise.
“Sam didn’t just adapt when he got here — he elevated. He gave us identity,” Maurice added. “There are a lot of skilled guys in the league. But there aren’t many who mix that with his engine. He’s a pain to play against. And he’s ours now — for a long time.”
### A New Chapter for Bennett
Bennett, 28, was all smiles as he took the podium, wearing a sharp navy suit and — notably — no tie. That familiar rugged energy wasn’t missing, even on contract day.
“It’s home now,” he said, pausing to look out at the sea of reporters. “When I got here, I didn’t know what to expect. But the culture, the group, the fans — it changed everything. I found myself here. And I want to win here again.”
Originally drafted **4th overall by the Calgary Flames in 2014**, Bennett struggled with consistency early in his career. But since joining Florida at the 2021 trade deadline, he’s flourished, becoming a fan favorite and key contributor.
Over the last three seasons, Bennett has averaged **23 goals, 28 assists, and over 100 hits** per year, often anchoring the second or third line and playing major roles in both special teams. His physicality, grit, and knack for timely goals have made him invaluable — especially in the postseason.
During the Panthers’ 2025 Cup run, Bennett tallied **16 points in 22 playoff games**, including a memorable overtime winner in the Eastern Conference Final.
### Core Locked In
The move continues the Panthers’ strategy of securing their championship core well into the future. Bennett joins fellow long-term signings such as:
* **Aleksander Barkov** (signed through 2030)
* **Matthew Tkachuk** (signed through 2031)
* **Aaron Ekblad** (recently extended through 2033)
* **Sergei Bobrovsky**, though aging, remains under contract through 2026 and was instrumental in the Cup run
“Continuity matters,” Zito emphasized. “We’re not here to win once. We’re here to stay at the top. Keeping guys like Sam ensures we keep that edge, that hunger.”
### A Fan Favorite
Fans across South Florida erupted on social media as news of the deal broke. “Benny the Beast” quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with supporters celebrating the extension.
“He’s the heartbeat,” wrote one fan. “No one brings playoff intensity like Bennett.”
At a local watch party in Fort Lauderdale, chants of “Sammy! Sammy!” broke out when the signing was announced on the jumbotron. A young fan even held up a homemade sign reading: *8 More Years of Warface!*
While the Panthers are flying high after their Cup triumph, work remains. The front office faces key decisions on depth players and upcoming UFAs. But with Bennett secured, the team’s spine remains strong and stable.
There’s also the matter of sustaining success. Florida’s Eastern Conference rivals — including a reloaded New York Rangers squad and a hungry Toronto Maple Leafs team — aren’t sitting still. But Bennett isn’t concerned.
“We know what we’ve got in our room,” he said, flashing a confident grin. “We’ve got guys who’ve bled for this. We know what it takes — and we’re not satisfied.”
Bennett also mentioned he’s already resumed off-season training.
“Celebrated the Cup, yeah,” he laughed. “But I’m already back at it. I want another one. Maybe a few.”
Legacy Building
When asked about his legacy in Florida, Bennett grew a bit reflective.
“I came here looking for a second chance,” he said. “And what I found was everything I’d hoped for — a place to belong, a chance to lead, and a shot to win. I want kids wearing #9 jerseys in South Florida twenty years from now because we built something that lasted.”
If the last few years are any indication, he’s well on his way.
**Contract Breakdown (Reported)**
* **Total**: \$52 million
* **Term**: 8 years (2025–2033)
* **AAV**: \$6.5 million
* **Structure**: Front-loaded with signing bonuses in early years
As Florida basks in the glory of its first Stanley Cup parade, the Panthers have made one thing clear — they’re not done hunting.
With Sam Bennett officially on board for the next eight seasons, the future looks as fierce as the man who’s helped define it.
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