There’s something about the Florida Panthers. Players join and they start playing like it’s been their home sweet home. See how a 37-year-old Brad Marchand has slotted in seamlessly. But he’s not the only one. Back when Sam Bennett joined the Panthers, a practice run, and the newcomer’s remark? “I never felt so comfortable in my life playing hockey.” Guess what? Nothing’s changed 4 years later. In fact, he is spearheading the Panthers in the 2025 playoffs.
But where the debate is arising is whether the Panthers forward warrants the amount of money he is asking for. Yeah, contract negotiations are ongoing, and some fans think the Canadian is not worth the financial hassle. But what is the opinion of a former NHL player turned TNT analyst? Let’s find out.
You know ‘Biz Nasty.’ Paul Bissonnette doesn’t sugarcoat, does he? And here he is again, willing to throw it down over Sam Bennett. His tweet on May 27 went like this: “I find it weird though that some people on this app think Sam Bennett making 10 million is insane and that it’s an overpayment. Are you stupid???” Hey, he isn’t calling people stupid just like that. The former Canadian defenseman has facts. “He’s leading the NHL in playoff goals. He’s been a factor in every series. I don’t give a flying fuck what your chart says.”
Well, are you debating Biz Nasty on this one? His facts aren’t wrong. The #9 center has scored 9 goals and 14 points in 16 playoff games in 2025. Moreover, he has even turned up with his highest points contribution in the regular season since joining the Panthers – 25 goals and 26 assists in 76 games. At $4.4 million AAV, Sam Bennett is giving great returns this season.
I find it weird though that some people on this app think Sam Bennett making 10 million is insane and that it’s an overpayment. Are you stupid??? He’s leading the NHL in playoff goals. He’s been a factor in every series. I don’t give a flying fuck what your chart says.
— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) May 27, 2025
And just not that, the guy brings the beef on the ice. With 82 hits in 16 games (2nd in the playoffs), the center leads the Panthers’ battle cry that makes them not just a sleek team with technical quality but a formidable unit that knows how to fight it out. A perfect example is the Eastern Conference series against the Hurricanes. Boy, have the Metropolitan Division teams brought some physicality. But men like Bennett balance it out on the ice.
In addition to that, the 28-year-old has scored 3 goals and 2 assists as the Panthers are holding a 3-1 lead in the series. Wait. We are saying everything nice about the player. We get that he is good. The forward even showed his worth in the 4 Nations Face-Off, where Canada lifted the trophy, and Bennett was so dominant against the USA. But the real question is, is Sam Bennett $10 million per season good? That’s a huge sum.
Yes, that is in fact what is holding up the contract renewal talks. While other teams are circling around.
Sam Bennett a Wanted Man since the 2025 playoffs started
July 1st is a critical date for many teams in the NHL. And it may happen that Sam Bennett hits unrestricted free agency if the Panthers can’t come to an arrangement with their forward. The rumors have been that Bennett is obviously slated for a raise, no doubt. But the 2024 Stanley Cup Champs are probably unwilling to match the $10 million figure. Per the latest rumors, $6-7 million was the figure doing the rounds in March.
Image via Facebook/Florida Panthers
But the playoff display has changed the equation again. And in favor of the Canadian. What makes it complicated is that there are teams that are absolutely ready to have him. On May 22, Jay Onrait and Martin Biron were discussing the contract thing in a YouTube upload by TSN, and Biron had said, “I think there’s going to be 25 teams that are going to call Sam Bennett and his agent on July 1st.”
And what makes it more complicated? That maybe at least one team will be there who will be willing to gamble the $10 million per year salary for Bennett. Especially when you consider the NHL salary cap will increase to $113.5 million by 2027-28. So, the Panthers have to play it well. Some are saying eventually it will be a contract extension of $8 million per year for 8 years.
But hey, it’s all speculation. Let’s see how things unravel. Both on ice and off it. Sam Bennett is playing not just for a contract but for Stanley Cup glory.
The post Sam Bennett’s $10 Million Hope Gets Final Verdict From TNT Analyst appeared first on EssentiallySports.
