It appears Sam Bennett will be keeping his talents in South Beach.
The Florida Panthers forward is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, however, he may have already spilled the beans on a contract extension in the works.
Fresh after winning a second consecutive Stanley Cup and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, Bennett addressed a Florida nightclub on Thursday night. Bennett told the crowd in his best impression of Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, “I ain’t (expletive) leaving,” as a graphic that read “8 more years” appeared on the screen behind him.
Although Bennett’s announcement led to an eruption of cheers, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that no extension has been signed, but talks continue.
Bennett led all players with 15 goals during the playoffs and added seven assists for 22 points.
He recorded a career-high 51 points (25 goals and 26 assists) in 76 games during the regular season.
The 29-year-old from Holland Landing, Ont., also competed for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament and had one goal in three games.
Bennett was acquired from the Calgary Flames in April 2021 and signed a four-year, $17.7-million extension with the Panthers that summer.
