Panthers' Sam Bennett Included in List of 'NHL’s Worst Contracts,' But There's A Catch

“In a vacuum, $8 million for Bennett is too much, and so too is an eight-year term that will take up most of his 30s,” Luszczyszyn wrote.

While many expected Bennett to seek a higher-salary deal in free agency, the Panthers forward instead re-signed with Florida at a lower annual value.

Sam Bennett's Performance vs. Price Tag

At 29, Bennett remains a productive top-six center. He posted 25 goals and 26 assists for 51 points in 76 regular-season games last season. In the playoffs, however, Bennett elevated his game with 15 goals and 8 assists in 21 appearances—good to lead the playoff field in goals.

“Being in South Florida has just completely changed my life,” Bennett said after signing his extension. “I love playing hockey here, I love living here.”

As many as 73 centers scored at least 50 points last season, but only 24 of them earned at least $8 million while reaching or surpassing that mark, which is why Bennett's production is perceived as a bit overpaid.

Despite Luszczyszyn’s skepticism over the contract length and cap hit, he acknowledged that context matters.

"He may be a $5.5 million regular-season player (a figure based almost entirely on his age), but in the playoffs, he becomes something else and is a lot closer to a $10.5 million player," Luszczyszyn wrote. "Consider $8 million splitting the difference."

Why the Panthers Can Live With the Overpay

While most franchises would struggle to justify an eight-year deal at that number, Luszczyszyn argued the Panthers are uniquely positioned to absorb it.

"No one who knows puck cares that Sam Bennett is on this list. His presence here is merely a formality, one based entirely on his modest regular-season stats," Luszczyszyn wrote. "Big whoop—that’s not what he’s paid for."

The Panthers already benefit from below-market deals for other stars like Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov, giving them the flexibility to retain core players even at a premium price as they keep their winning window open.

“We don’t live in a vacuum,” Luszczyszyn wrote. “We live in a world where Bennett is a key championship piece for a franchise with dynastic hopes. That’s all that matters.

“Signed by another team, Bennett’s new deal would’ve been incredibly risky. For the Panthers, and the Panthers only, it’s a risk they can easily afford.”