Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy (most valuable player during NHL playoffs) after scoring 15 postseason goals, including five during the Stanley Cup Final.
Bennett also added seven assists for the Panthers, who won 5-1 on Thursday in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, capping a four games to two victory.
Bennett has been with the Panthers for four-plus seasons after the Calgary Flames traded him to Florida in April 2021. He then signed a four-year, $17.6 million extension with the Panthers that expires after this season.
The 11-year NHL veteran had 25 goals and 26 assists this season. He then shined in the playoffs, scoring his 15 goals in just 23 games. Bennett notably scored at least three goals in each of the Panthers’ four playoff rounds.
He led a Panthers team that scored 94 goals in the playoffs, including 28 against the Oilers. It’s ultimately no surprise that Bennett earned the Conn Smythe after he was the leader of the team’s powerful offensive performance.