Sam Bennett has solidified his place in NHL history by winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Florida Panthers forward led the postseason with an astonishing 15 goals, adding seven assists for a total of 22 points throughout their 23-game playoff run. His relentless physical play and clutch scoring were pivotal in the Panthers securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship, culminating with a victory in Game 6 of the final against the Edmonton Oilers.
At 28 years old, Bennett showcased a remarkable evolution in his game compared to the previous year. In the 2024 playoffs, when Florida captured their first Stanley Cup, Bennett had a total of 14 points, but this year he surpassed that with 15 goals alone. His offensive explosion was coupled with an aggressive style that earned him 48 penalty minutes, underscoring his role as a physical force on the ice.
Throughout the finals, Bennett was a constant menace to the Oilers, netting five goals and tallying six points. His ability to score in five of the last seven games demonstrated his clutch performance under pressure. Notably, in Game 2 against Edmonton, Bennett set an NHL record by scoring his 12th road goal of the 2025 postseason, a testament to his consistency regardless of venue.
His impact extended beyond scoring. Bennett was known for his big hits and crowding the crease, often frustrating opposing goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. His physicality was on full display early in the playoffs when he elbowed Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz during Game 1 of the second round, igniting controversy but also highlighting his tenacity.
Teammates and coaches alike praised Bennett’s all-around game. Defenseman Seth Jones told The Associated Press, "Everyone looks at the goals and rightfully so, but it’s everything he does, even away from the puck. His physical presence out there, his 200-foot game, the way he plays away from the puck defensively, how he is on face-offs, I think it’s the complete package we’re lucky to have. It’s been a big part of our success. He puts a lot of teams, a lot of defensemen on their heels out there."
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice summed up Bennett’s contributions succinctly: "Physical player, incredible speed and then the hands to finish." Bennett’s style perfectly embodies the Panthers’ identity—hard-nosed, fast, and skilled.
Fourth-liner Jonah Gadjovich added, "He does it all—it’s fun to watch. He's throwing huge hits, he’s playing hard defensively, working pucks in the corners, getting to the net, and obviously scoring a ton of goals. ... He’s one of the leaders on the team, someone that we can all get behind." Such praise highlights Bennett’s role not only as a scorer but also as a leader and motivator within the locker room.
Bennett himself expressed humility and gratitude upon receiving the Conn Smythe Trophy on June 17, 2025. "The amount of guys that stepped up this year and had incredible years, incredible playoff runs, it truly could have went to anyone," he said. "I’m so grateful. It’s such a huge honor, but I truly mean that: It could’ve went to anyone, and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates." His remarks underscore the team-first mentality that has driven the Panthers to back-to-back championships.
Despite his success, Bennett has maintained focus amid uncertainty about his future. Set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025, he has yet to announce his next move. "Competing for a Stanley Cup has always been my goal and my passion, and what I’ve wanted to do," Bennett said before Game 6. "That’s just my focus. That’s all I want, and it’s been quite easy to just not even think about what’s to come. I mean, yeah, it’s really just a singular focus and that’s how I’ve tried to handle it." His poised approach suggests he is weighing options carefully, with a lucrative contract likely on the horizon given his playoff heroics.
The Panthers’ playoff run was marked by Bennett’s ability to make game-changing plays. In Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, he contributed to back-to-back goals by standing in front of and falling onto goaltender Stuart Skinner, disrupting his vision and positioning. In Game 3, Bennett delivered a crushing hit on Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin before scoring seconds later, a play that perfectly encapsulated his blend of physicality and scoring touch.
Florida’s second straight Stanley Cup victory solidifies their status as an NHL powerhouse. The Panthers’ success has been built on a combination of skilled offense, staunch defense, and relentless physical play, with Bennett at the heart of it all. His ability to lead by example, both in scoring and in grit, has made him indispensable to the team’s identity and success.
It is worth noting that last year’s Conn Smythe Trophy winner was Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, who earned the award despite his team falling short in the finals. Bennett’s triumph this year not only highlights his personal growth but also marks a passing of the torch as the Panthers continue to dominate the league.
As the NHL offseason approaches, all eyes will be on Bennett’s next move. Whether he remains with the Panthers or explores new opportunities, his playoff performance has cemented his reputation as one of the league’s premier players. For now, though, the focus remains on the Florida Panthers and their historic achievement—a second consecutive Stanley Cup crown powered by the extraordinary efforts of Sam Bennett.
