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Elliotte Friedman Reveals What He's Hearing About Sam Bennett's New Deal

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 10:39 AM ET

Top NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman is revealing what he knows about a potential extension for Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett with the Panthers.

The Florida Panthers have repeated as Stanley Cup champions, becoming the 4th NHL team to accomplish the feat since the 1997-1998 Detroit Red Wings, the 2016-2017 Pittsburgh Penguins, and the 2020-21 Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Panthers did so thanks to tremendous contributions from all throughout their lineup, including 15 goals from Conn Smythe Trophy-winning forward Sam Bennett.

Bennett, like teammates Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand, can become a UFA on July 1.

But based on the latest projection from NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman, Bennett may be willing to take a considerable discount on his next deal.

Elliotte Friedman: Sam Bennett contract negotiations 'closer to $7.5m than $8' AAV on a long term deal - SN 590

Bennett recently did his best impression of actor Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Jordan Belfort in the Martin Scorsese film, 'The Wolf of Wall Street' by announcing to a crowd of Panthers fans that he had no intention of leaving Florida.

Will the show go on in Florida? Right now, it's looking that way. If Bennett is willing to take less with the Panthers than what he could fetch on the open market, it would demonstrate a willingness to continue Florida's success and try for the famed three-peat, which hasn't been achieved in over four decades.

Bennett certainly earned the Conn Smythe Trophy, leading all NHL postseason goal scorers with 15 goals, the most since Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman scored 16 goals last season in the playoffs.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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