SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Sam Bennett could have gone to free agency and picked his landing spot, plus probably could have signed for much more money than the Florida Panthers were able to offer.

Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers with Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Eetu Luostarinen (27) during the second period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley ...

Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals in Sunrise, Fla., Monday, June 9, 2025.

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final against the Edmonton Oilers Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise ...

Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers with Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Eetu Luostarinen (27) during the second period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley ...

Florida Panthers’ Sam Bennett (9) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers with Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Eetu Luostarinen (27) during the second period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley ...

That solution Bennett mentioned was the eight-year, $64 million deal he signed to stay with the Panthers. The deal was finalized on Friday, less than two weeks after Florida beat the Edmonton ...

At 29, Bennett remains a productive top-six center. He posted 25 goals and 26 assists for 51 points in 76 regular-season games last season. In the playoffs, however, Bennett elevated his game with 15 ...

The Florida Panthers have won back-to-back Stanley Cups and re-signed all theirimpact players this offseason.Sam Bennett won ...