Sam Bennett has been recognized as the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, receiving the prestigious Conn Smythe Trophy. Bennett was a dominant force for the Florida Panthers throughout their postseason run, leading all players with an impressive 15 goals.
This marks a historic moment, as Bennett becomes the first player from the Panthers franchise to win the Conn Smythe Award, following their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory. This contrasts with the previous year, where Connor McDavid became just the sixth player in NHL history to receive the award while playing for the losing team in the Final.
As the Panthers made their successful push for back-to-back championships, there were several strong candidates for the Conn Smythe. However, Bennett`s exceptional performance truly set him apart. Few players possess the remarkable ability to elevate their game significantly in the playoffs as Bennett did this spring.
The 2024-25 season was personally significant for Bennett, marking the first time he surpassed 50 regular-season points and his previous high of 28 goals in a single year. Remarkably, he scored more than half of that season`s goal total in just 23 playoff games.
Bennett consistently impacted every series, scoring a minimum of three goals in each round and proving particularly effective in opposing arenas. Thirteen of his 15 playoff goals were scored on the road, establishing a new NHL playoffs record.
In the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, Bennett was a persistent offensive threat, contributing five goals and one assist.
This blend of offensive reliability and strong defensive play made Bennett a vital component in Florida`s successful defense of their championship. Despite consistently facing tough assignments, his performance at five-on-five was outstanding. With Bennett on the ice in these situations, the Panthers outscored opponents 17-11 and held a dominant 59.5% expected goals share.
Perhaps the most memorable demonstration of Bennett`s impact came during a crucial shift in Game 3 of the Final. The play began with him delivering a thunderous hit in the defensive zone and culminated with a magnificent deke resulting in a goal at the other end of the ice.
Bennett`s contract is set to expire on July 1st, making him an unrestricted free agent. His recent accolades – a two-time Stanley Cup champion and now a Conn Smythe Trophy winner – significantly enhance his value on the open market. A player with such a resume will undoubtedly attract high demand if negotiations with the Panthers do not result in a new deal within the next couple of weeks before free agency opens.
