Sam Bennett has been named the recipient of the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Bennett was a dominant presence for the Florida Panthers throughout their postseason run, leading all players with 15 goals.
This marks the first time a Florida Panthers player has earned the Conn Smythe Trophy, even though the team also claimed the Cup in 2024. Notably, the previous year`s winner, Connor McDavid, was one of the rare instances where the award went to a player on the losing team.
As the Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship, numerous players were considered strong contenders for the Conn Smythe. However, Bennett`s exceptional performance clearly distinguished him. He demonstrated that unique ability to significantly raise his game under playoff pressure this spring.
The 2024-25 season was Bennett`s first time surpassing the 50-point mark in his regular-season career, and his previous single-season high for goals was 28. Remarkably, he scored over half that amount (15 goals) in just 23 playoff games.
Bennett was consistently impactful throughout each series, netting at least three goals in every round. He was particularly effective at disrupting opponents on their home ice; an astonishing 13 of his 15 goals were scored on the road, setting a new NHL playoff record.
He proved a particularly difficult challenge for the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final, contributing five goals and one assist.
This offensive output, combined with Bennett`s strong defensive capabilities, positioned him as a vital component in Florida`s successful defense of their championship. Despite consistently facing top opposing lines, his performance at five-on-one was outstanding. When Bennett was on the ice in these situations, the Panthers outscored opponents 17-11 and maintained a dominant 59.5% expected goals share.
Perhaps the best illustration of Bennett`s impact was his memorable shift in Game 3 of the Final, where he initiated the sequence with a powerful defensive hit and concluded it by scoring after a superb deke.
Bennett is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His recent accomplishments – now a two-time Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner – significantly enhance his market value. While he is expected to command a substantial contract, the Panthers have a few weeks before free agency officially opens to attempt to sign him to a new deal before other teams can negotiate.
