Sam Bennett stays true to his word, signs extension with Panthers

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett, the team’s playoff MVP, told fans during the Stanley Cup celebration earlier this week that he would stick around.

With just days before becoming an unrestricted free agent, Bennett stayed true to his word by signing an eight-year, $64 million extension with the Panthers.

“Sam is a special player who has mastered a unique blend of skill and physicality in his game, becoming one of the most impactful postseason performers of his generation,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said.

“He played an integral role in our two Stanley Cup championships, earning the franchise’s first Conn Smythe Trophy and is a dedicated contributor to our South Florida community off the ice. We are thrilled that he will continue his career with the Panthers.”

After hoisting the Stanley Cup, Bennett, who set an all-time NHL playoff record with 13 goals on the road, remained humble.

“My whole focus was on winning the Stanley Cup. It’s a huge honor to be nominated as the MVP, but there truly are 25 MVPs on this team and it could’ve gone to anyone,” he said, via NHL.com. “I’m obviously super grateful, it means the world to me, but I really couldn’t have done it without this whole group.”

The 29-year-old Bennett scored 25 goals and recorded 26 assists in 76 regular-season games before his playoff explosion. Now the former Calgary Flames first-round pick (No. 4 overall) is locked up through the 2033-2034 season.

Bennett was one of three key impending free agents for the Panthers, joining with winger Brad Marchand and defenseman Aaron Ekblad.