Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Paul Bissonnette Makes Shocking Claim on Sam Bennett's Next Contract

Originally posted on House of Hockey
By Graham Montgomery | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 7:11 PM ET

NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette has some interesting advice for Panthers general manager Bill Zito regarding the reigning Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett.

Sam Bennett has never put up ridiculous point totals in the regular season.

He has consistently been a steady contributor, putting up between 40-50 points in each of his four seasons with the Panthers, while missing significant time in three of those years due to injury.

But his playoff performances paint a different picture. Bennett has consistently elevated his game in the playoffs going back to his days with the Calgary Flames.

This year he took that to a whole new level as he recorded 15 goals in 23 games, winning the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP.

Since Bennett is a unrestricted free agent heading into this summer, there has been a lot of speculation as to what he can get on the market, especially after his heroics in these playoffs.

As a result, analysts from around the league have chimed in with their opinions, including Paul Bissonnette, who believes the Panthers should offer him an eight-figure deal.

'(Bennett) only had 50 points in the regular season.' I don't give a flying ****,' Half their team didn't even finish the regular season. They were just resting them. They didn't even care about winning their division. All they cared about was the first game of the playoffs. And who scored the most goals going into the other team's barn? Third team by Sam the Menace. Bennett, baby, 10 million all day. You guys hear me in the chat? 10 million, baby.'

That being said, the team may be able to keep the agitating big-game player for less than that.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has shared some insight on this situation, revealing that Bennett may be willing to take a very team-friendly deal to stay with the Panthers.

If such a deal does come to fruition, we may very well see the Panthers become the first team to win three straight Stanley Cups since the New York Islanders who won in 1980, 1981, and 1982.

Bennett remains one of the most intriguing names on the free agent market this summer, so be sure to stay tuned to see where he ends up and how much money he gets on what could be the final deal of his career.

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

More must-reads: