The way teams will evaluate Sam Bennett`s contract situation is complex.
Fans see varying versions of Sam Bennett depending on the game. In a regular season game, say in November against Chicago, he might not stand out, appearing quite ordinary. However, come February for an international tournament like the 4 Nations Face-Off, he shines, competing hard across the ice, firing shots, and scoring crucial goals, such as a significant one in the championship match. By May and June, during the playoffs, he transforms into a force, scoring consistently, delivering powerful hits, and taking control of games.
Bennett`s game builds momentum, peaking dramatically in the post-season. He currently leads the playoffs in goals with 12, is second in hits with 87, and ranks third with over 100 shot attempts. His exceptional play was clear in Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers, where he scored two goals. Even alongside stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Bennett was arguably the top player on the ice for the first two periods. If Florida clinches the series, it wouldn`t be surprising to see Bennett earn the Conn Smythe Trophy, given his outstanding performance.
The Panthers` center has a knack for playing aggressively right at the edge of the rules, often managing to avoid penalties, or committing fouls subtly enough to evade discipline. He`s the classic example of a player opponents despise but who is adored by his own team`s fans.
After the Panthers conclude what could be their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance, Bennett is set to become an unrestricted free agent if he and Florida do not finalize a contract extension. Potentially a back-to-back Cup champion with a proven track record of incredible playoff performance, his timing is ideal. Several teams fresh off playoff disappointments might be eager to sign a player known for post-season heroics to avoid a similar outcome next season. The difficulty for these potential suitors lies in determining a fair contract value for someone whose impact is most significant after the regular 82-game schedule.
June is typically filled with speculation about possible contracts and interested teams, and potential figures for a Bennett deal have varied widely. Would a seven-year deal worth $7 million annually be sufficient? Could a team even offer as much as $10 million per year? The answer likely depends on the desperation level of playoff-hungry organizations.
While anything is possible, a $10 million annual salary seems excessively high for Bennett, even with a rising salary cap. Bennett turns 29 this month, and a long-term contract at such a price point could become problematic down the line.
It`s important to remember that for Bennett to contribute in the playoffs, his team must first qualify. Despite his excellent post-season play, his regular-season statistics do not typically support such a significant investment. High point production usually drives large contracts, and Bennett has only surpassed the 50-point mark once in his career. Furthermore, his career faceoff percentage is below 50%, and his aggressive style of play increases his risk of injury, which has caused him to miss considerable time in three of the last four seasons. There`s a valid concern that Bennett`s physical resilience might diminish before the end of a lengthy contract term.
