Sam Bennett`s standout season reached a new peak as he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy.
The forward was recognized as the playoff`s most valuable player on Tuesday night after the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the Final, securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship.
Bennett, 28 years old, finished as the top goal-scorer in the postseason with 15 goals. He also contributed seven assists, totaling 22 points during Florida`s victorious playoff run.
Reflecting on the achievement post-game, Bennett stated, “It’s a massive honor. The depth we have on this team is incredible. So many guys stepped up this year and had amazing years, incredible playoff runs; it truly could have gone to anyone.”
He also emphasized that he “couldn`t have accomplished it” without his teammates, adding that their reactions “meant the world” to him.
Originally from East Gwillimbury, Ontario, Bennett is poised to be one of the key names among unrestricted free agents this off-season, as his four-year contract worth $17.7 million is expiring.
In the regular season, he recorded a career-best 51 points, including 25 goals and 26 assists, across 76 games played.
