Bennett wins Conn Smythe after NHL-high 15 goals

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the most valuable player in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Bennett was awarded the distinction after Florida defeated Edmonton 5-1 in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night. It was the Panthers' second consecutive Cup victory, and Bennett played an integral role in helping Florida achieve the feat.

The veteran led the NHL playoff field in goals scored (15) and was tied for second among Panthers in points (22) through 23 games, which included five goals and six points in the Final. Bennett wasn't just Florida's best offensive player though; he also delivered a suffocating defensive performance and furious forechecking effort that made Florida formidable in each round of the postseason.

"It's hard to describe. This is way harder than I thought it would be to win, and to win twice, we put so much work in," Bennett said. "I'm so proud of this group. ... This is the best feeling in the world."

The 28-year-old's tenacity and consistency combined to make Bennett a standout every night but especially in the final, where he elevated the Panthers at both ends of the ice to stifle the Oilers' attack and lift the Panthers to a second straight title.

The career-best showing couldn't have come at a more opportune time for Bennett. The center is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and is expected to have several suitors if he doesn't re-sign with the Panthers.

"Everyone looks at the goals and rightfully so, but it's everything he does, even away from the puck," teammate Seth Jones said. "His physical presence out there, his 200-foot game, the way he plays away from the puck defensively, how he is on face-offs, I think it's the complete package we're lucky to have. It's been a big part of our success. He puts a lot of teams, a lot of defensemen on their heels out there."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.