Sam Bennett`s performance varies significantly depending on the game. During the regular season, such as a November Thursday game against Chicago, he might seem ordinary and go largely unnoticed. However, he stands out in high-stakes events like the February 4 Nations Face-Off for Canada, showcasing competitiveness and scoring crucial goals. By May and June, he transforms into an unstoppable force, scoring frequently, delivering hard hits, and dominating games.
Bennett progressively elevates his play, reaching his peak in the post-season. He currently leads the playoffs in goals with 12, is second in hits with 87, and third in shot attempts with over 100. His exceptional form was evident in Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers, where he netted two goals. Even alongside superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Bennett was the most impactful player on the ice for the first two periods. If Florida wins the series, Bennett could legitimately be a candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy given his performance.
The Florida center also possesses a knack for playing aggressively without consistently incurring penalties, or doing so subtly enough to avoid detection. He embodies the classic type of player that opposing fans despise but their own team`s fans adore.
Following the Panthers` third consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, Bennett is set to become an unrestricted free agent if he and the team don`t reach an agreement. Potentially a back-to-back champion and proven playoff star, he hits the market at an ideal time. Teams fresh off playoff disappointments might be highly motivated to sign him to avoid a similar fate next season. The main hurdle for these teams is determining a fair salary for a player whose best contributions occur after the regular season ends.
With June bringing contract speculation and rumors about interested teams, potential salary ranges for Bennett vary widely. Would a seven-year contract at $7 million per season be sufficient? Could a team even offer as much as $10 million annually? The final figure will likely depend on the level of desperation among teams seeking playoff success.
While any outcome is possible, a $10 million annual salary appears excessively high for Bennett, even with the rising salary cap. Bennett turns 29 this month, and a long-term deal at that price could pose significant risks.
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 don`t typically warrant such a large investment. Higher point totals usually lead to bigger paydays, and Bennett has only surpassed the 50-point mark once in his career. Furthermore, his career faceoff win percentage is below 50%, and his physically demanding style of play makes him prone to injuries, which have already cost him significant time in three of the last four seasons. There`s a reasonable concern that his body may not hold up for the duration of a long-term contract.
