Forward Sam Bennett culminated his standout year by being awarded the prestigious Conn Smythe Trophy.
He was recognized as the most valuable player of the playoffs on Tuesday evening. This came after the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in the sixth game of the Final, securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship.
Bennett, aged 28, topped all skaters in postseason goal scoring with 15 tallies and contributed seven assists, totaling 22 points throughout Florida`s successful playoff run.
“It’s a huge honour. The depth of this team is incredible,” Bennett commented after the game. “The amount of guys that stepped up this year and had incredible years, incredible playoff runs, it truly could have went to anyone.”
He further expressed that he “couldn’t have done it” without his teammates and that their reactions “meant the world” to him.
Originally from East Gwillimbury, Ontario, Bennett is expected to be a notable name among unrestricted free agents this upcoming off-season, as his four-year contract valued at $17.7 million is set to expire.
During the regular season, he achieved a career best with 51 points, scoring 25 goals and adding 26 assists in 76 games played.
