Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice provided an update on Sam Bennett, informing us that the injured center will participate in warmups before Game 3 against the Boston Bruins and will be a game-time decision.
Bennett suffered the injury after he was hit in the hand by a shot from Brandon Montour during Game 2 of their first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 27-year-old has missed the past five games with the injury, but a chance of a return has seemed more likely since the start of the second round.
Bennett has had another productive season in Florida, with 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points in 69 games in 2023-24. It’s the third time he’s surpassed the 40-point mark in his career, all three coming with the Panthers.
Bennett also has one goal and one assist for two points in the two games he played in the playoffs before his injury.
Bennett was the fourth overall selection of the Calgary Flames in the 2014 NHL Draft, and he spent parts of seven seasons in Calgary. After struggling to live up to his drafted potential, he was dealt to the Panthers during the 2021 Trade Deadline, where he’s since proven to be a more productive player.
Bennett is currently in the third year of a four-year contract with a $4.425 million cap hit, one he signed as an extension after his successful stint with the Panthers after the deadline in 2021.
The Panthers currently find themselves tied at one game apiece with the Boston Bruins going into Game 3, although that gives the Bruins home ice advantage for the time being. The Panthers will look to take that home-ice advantage back and take a 2-1 series lead during Game 3, which takes place on Friday night at 7 p.m. EST.
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