Sam Bennett earned the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup playoffs. He was the driving force behind the Florida Panthers throughout the postseason, leading the league with 15 playoff goals. Bennett’s achievement marks the first time a Panther has claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy, despite the team winning the Stanley Cup in 2024. The previous year, Conor McDavid made history as the sixth player ever to win the award while on a losing team.
Numerous top contenders were in the running for the Conn Smythe as the Panthers pursued their second consecutive Stanley Cup, but Bennett clearly stood out. His ability to elevate his performance during the playoffs was on full display this spring. The 2024-25 season saw Bennett surpass 50 points for the first time in the regular season, and while he had never scored more than 28 goals in a single season before, he managed over half that amount in just 23 playoff games.
Bennett had an impact in every playoff round, scoring at least three goals in each series and particularly tormenting the opponents at home. Out of his 15 goals, 13 were scored in away games, setting an NHL playoff record. He was especially dominant against the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup final, tallying five goals and one assist.
Bennett’s blend of offensive consistency and defensive skill made him a vital part of Florida’s championship defense. Even facing tough competition every game, his performance was extraordinary. On the ice with Bennett, the Panthers maintained an expected target share of 59.5%, outperforming their 17-11 opponents.
One standout example of Bennett’s influence was his heroic play in Game 3 of the final, where he initiated a sequence with a hard defensive hit and finished it with a brilliant offensive move. As Bennett approaches free agency on July 1st, his credentials as a two-time Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe winner will likely boost his market value. The Panthers have weeks to negotiate a new contract before other teams can attempt to sign him.
In other news, Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Championship gear is now available, celebrating their back-to-back titles with hats, T-shirts, and special gift boxes.
Fan Take: Sam Bennett’s breakout playoff performance is a game-changer for the Panthers and a thrilling moment for hockey fans, showcasing the dramatic rise of a player who elevates his game when it matters most. This story emphasizes the importance of clutch performances in the playoffs and promises an exciting future both for Bennett and the sport.
