Panthers’ Sam Bennett to miss game against Islanders

The reason for Bennett’s absence is undisclosed, but Maurice noted that the issue isn’t anything concerning.

In 70 games this season, Bennett has 25 goals and 29 assists for 54 points. With center Aleksander Barkov out for this entire season, Bennett has assumed the role as Florida’s number-one center, averaging a career high of almost 18 and a half minutes ice time.

Bennett, 29, who this season already has the most points of his career, his coming off an immensely successful 2024-25 campaign. Last year, he put up his most productive offensive season to that point with 25 goals and 26 assists for 51 points in 76 games. He was also a member of Canada’s team at the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he has a goal in four games en route to winning the championship. He then has 15 goals and seven assists for 22 points in 23 postseason games for the Panthers, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP as Florida claimed its second consecutive Stanley Cup.

The Holland Landing, Ontario native was also a member of the Canadian men’s national team at this past February’s Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where he had an assist in five games and took home a silver medal.

Bennett is in the first season of an eight-year, $64 million contract with the Panthers, which carries a full no-movement clause through the 2029-30 season.

With 73 points through 71 games, the Panthers have battled through a difficult, injury-plagued season and currently sit in last place in the Atlantic Division.

After Saturday’s game against the Islanders, Florida will host the New York Rangers on Sunday to wrap up a four-game homestand.