Sam Bennett wins first Conn Smythe Trophy in Panthers history

Adam Lichtenstein, South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Jun 17, 2025

Published in Hockey

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SUNRISE, Fla. — Sam Bennett has been called many things in his career. A rat. A draft bust. A dirty player.

He can add a new title: Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

Bennett helped the Panthers lift their second straight Stanley Cup with a win over Edmonton on Tuesday, and he won the award given to the playoffs’ most valuable player. Bennett is the Panthers’ first-ever Conn Smythe winner; Edmonton’s Connor McDavid won the award last year despite the Oilers losing the series.

Bennett had 15 playoff goals, leading the league, and seven assists. He scored five goals and had one assist in the Stanley Cup Final.

Many of Bennett’s goals came at crucial times, and the vast majority came on the road. He set an NHL playoff record with 13 road goals in a single postseason.

Bennett, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, has a choice coming: stick with the winning franchise that he fits so well or seek the highest payday elsewhere.