Sam Bennett, the heart-and-soul center of the Florida Panthers, has always been a player who wears his emotions on his sleeve. Fresh off a historic 2024-25 season, where he led the NHL with 15 playoff goals and clinched the Conn Smythe Trophy as postseason MVP, Bennett signed an eight-year, $64 million contract extension with the Panthers in June 2025.
But for the 29-year-old, the decision to stay in Sunrise wasn’t about the paycheck—it was about something deeper. “I’m motivated by relationships, not money,” Bennett declared in a recent interview with Panthers TV reporter Katie Engleson. “I have always loved the Panthers from the depth of my soul because of the passion of the fans, the history of the club, and the loyalty we share in the squad. To me, this is more than a contract—this is home.”
Bennett’s journey with the Panthers began in 2021 when he was traded from the Calgary Flames. Initially a high draft pick with unfulfilled potential, he found his stride in Florida, evolving into a cornerstone of their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.
His gritty, physical style—paired with a scoring touch that saw him notch a career-high 51 points last season—has made him a fan favorite. But it’s the intangibles that keep him rooted in South Florida. “The fans here, they’re unreal,” Bennett said during the Panthers’ raucous Stanley Cup parade in Miami. “They’re screaming, throwing rats, living every moment with us. That energy? You can’t buy that.”
The Panthers’ culture, forged under coach Paul Maurice and general manager Bill Zito, is a tight-knit brotherhood that Bennett cherishes. His linemate and close friend Matthew Tkachuk played a pivotal role in his decision to re-sign, urging him to secure a long-term deal.
“Tkachuk’s like family,” Bennett shared on the *Empty Netters* podcast. “We’ve got something special here—me, Tkachuk, Barkov, Reinhart. It’s not just about hockey; it’s about the bond we’ve built.” That bond, he insists, outweighs any financial lure from rival teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were rumored to be interested but never stood a chance. “I told the crowd, ‘Ain’t f***ing leaving,’ and I meant it,” he laughed, recalling his viral moment at the Cup celebration.
Bennett’s commitment extends off the ice too. Alongside his fiancée, Zoe Zeleny, he plans to expand their “Benny’s Buddies” charitable program, which supports South Florida’s community. “That was one of the first things me and my fiancée talked about,” Bennett told Engleson.
“This contract lets us keep giving back to the place that’s given us so much.” For Bennett, the Panthers aren’t just a team—they’re a way of life. “I love the staff, the owners, everything about this place,” he told the *Miami Herald*. “It’s a dream situation.”
As the Panthers gear up for the 2025-26 season, aiming for a historic three-peat, Bennett’s presence ensures their core remains intact. His contract, though hefty, reflects his value as an “identity player,” as Maurice calls him—a perfect blend of skill and tenacity.
For Bennett, though, it’s simpler: “This is home. I’m not playing for dollars. I’m playing for the guys next to me and the fans who make this place electric.” With that mindset, Bennett’s not just chasing another Cup—he’s building a legacy in Florida.
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