Latest news with #ConnSmythe
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sam Bennett Makes Future Crystal Clear at Panthers' Stanley Cup Party
Sam Bennett Makes Future Crystal Clear at Panthers' Stanley Cup Party originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Florida Panthers forward and pending free agent Sam Bennett didn't wait for July 1 to hint at his future and what's next for him. Advertisement Bennett let it rip at a nightclub during the Panthers' Stanley Cup bash at Miami's E11EVEN on Thursday night, according to the Sun Sentinel. The Conn Smythe Trophy winner grabbed the mic and addressed the crowd with a clear, profanity-laced declaration. 'I ain't (expletive) leaving!' The veteran center is a pending unrestricted free agent, barring a contract extension signed before the start of free agency July 1. Bennett, who turned 29 on Friday, could command a significant contract on the open market. He was named Conn Smythe winner after a dominant postseason in which he scored 22 points in 23 games. Advertisement According to Daily Faceoff, Bennett is projected to sign a six-year, $38.4 million contract this offseason. Following his message at the party, it's clear the forward is staying put in Florida for the long run, in a statement that matched what Bennett said just days earlier after Florida clinched a second straight Stanley Cup. Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the Kirouac-Imagn Images "I love being here, and I love this team," Bennett said. "It's a remarkable team to be a part of, just from the whole staff to the players to the management, the owner, the coaches. Truly, everyone is world-class here." Fans at the club chanted, 'Eight more years!' while Bennett celebrated with teammates, and now it seems closer than ever to becoming a reality. Advertisement General manager Bill Zito appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday and said the Panthers "are going to spend to the cap," something he's already putting in practice. Related: Matthew Tkachuk's Message to Free Agent Teammates Won't Please Panthers GM Related: Panthers GM Reveals Offseason Spending Plans Ahead of Free Agency This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL trade news: Sam Bennett close to major contract extension with Florida Panthers amid Stanley Cup celebration tease
Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Conn Smythe Trophy (Credit: Getty Images) Sam Bennett has made his intentions clear. While no pen has touched paper yet, the Florida Panthers forward is reportedly close to finalizing a major contract extension that will keep him in Sunrise for years to come. After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Panthers, Bennett's presence at the core of the franchise seems cemented. Matthew Tkachuk influence and Florida Panthers' intent to secure their core One key figure behind this reported long-term deal is Matthew Tkachuk. The Panthers star and longtime teammate of Bennett has reportedly encouraged him to secure the best possible contract. The chemistry between the two has been instrumental in Florida's offensive success, and the front office knows it. Panthers' Sam Bennett Awarded 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy As Playoffs MVP One small contract delay but no signs of departure from Sam Bennett While the celebratory mood suggested an imminent announcement, fans may need to be patient. There appears to be a minor delay in closing the deal, possibly due to contract structure or cap-related adjustments. That said, there is no sign of disagreement or external interest pulling Bennett elsewhere. Despite past links to other teams, reports now indicate Bennett has ruled out exploring alternate destinations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo He remains committed to Florida's winning culture and sees the team's current success as the foundation for future dominance. Sam Bennett emerges as franchise face after Conn Smythe talk and playoff heroics Bennett's postseason performance has sparked serious conversations around his value. Although he did not win the Conn Smythe Trophy, his role in the Panthers' championship run drew widespread attention. From scoring clutch goals to delivering physical dominance, Bennett proved his worth throughout the playoffs. Read more: NHL trade news: Nashville Predators trade Jeremy Hanzel to New Jersey Devils for Erik Haula in spicy return move Whether it's through team loyalty, strategic planning, or sheer momentum, Sam Bennett is on the verge of turning his Florida run into a long-term home. Panthers fans may not have the formal press release yet, but the message is loud and clear, Sam Bennett is staying. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
CBS News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews to sign with Winnipeg Jets
Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews will sign with the Winnipeg Jets after two years away from the National Hockey League. In an Instagram post, the Winnipeg Jets confirmed that Toews, who is from Winnipeg, is "coming home." The team captioned their post, "The kid from St. Vital is coming home." Toews is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2010. In 2023, the Blackhawks announced they would not be bringing back team captain Toews. Months later, Toews announced on Instagram that, while he's taking next season off from hockey, he's not yet retiring from the NHL. "I'd like to announce that I am not fully retiring, but I am taking time away from the game again this season. I cannot deny my love for the game of hockey and still feel the passion for competing at my highest level," Toews wrote on Instagram. "However, these last few seasons have been very difficult considering my health challenges. My focus is to give myself the time and space to fully heal and enjoy life to the fullest once again."
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jonathan Toews To Join Hometown Winnipeg Jets Next Season
Three-time Stanley Cup Champion Jonathan Toews set to join hometown Winnipeg Jets, according to multiple reports. Image Former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is set to join his hometown Winnipeg Jets, per multiple reports. Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on X Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on X undefined Advertisement In a stunning twist to the NHL offseason, multiple reports confirm that Jonathan Toews is expected to sign with the Winnipeg Jets, signaling a long-anticipated return to the game—and to his hometown. The 36-year-old Toews, who hasn't played since the 2022–23 season due to health-related issues, has reportedly been training and feels ready to make a comeback. Now, the former Chicago Blackhawks captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion is on the verge of joining a Jets team looking to stay in the Western Conference playoff mix. Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on X Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on X JONATHAN TOEWS IS A WINNIPEG JET More NHL: Panthers' Sam Bennett Confirms He's Signing Extension Advertisement Toews, a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, played his entire 15-year NHL career with the Blackhawks, notching 883 points (372 goals, 511 assists) in 1,067 games, and earning a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010. His leadership and two-way play were hallmarks of Chicago's dynasty years, and his presence in Winnipeg could provide a significant locker room and on-ice boost. While the contract details have yet to be made public, the expected deal is believed to be short-term and incentive-heavy, allowing Toews to ease back into the NHL pace while giving Winnipeg additional veteran depth at center. Jets' Odds Could Shift with Toews' Return Sportsbooks have begun to take notice. The Jets, previously listed around +3500 to win the Stanley Cup on most major platforms, could see their odds shorten slightly if Toews officially signs and is cleared to play. While his exact on-ice role remains to be seen, his playoff experience and championship pedigree add intangible value, particularly in a Western Conference wide open behind favorites like Edmonton and Dallas. Advertisement For futures bettors, this move may represent a low-risk, high-upside play. If Toews stays healthy and contributes on special teams or in key faceoff situations, Winnipeg's depth could give them a serious edge come spring. Keep an eye on updated odds as the signing becomes official—sharper markets may react early. More NHL: 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sam Bennett Makes Massive Announcement About Panthers Future
Florida Panthers star Sam Bennett is one of the NHL's top pending unrestricted free agents with the summer here. The 29-year-old center just put together an incredible post-season for the Panthers, as he scored 15 goals and recorded 22 points in 23 games and won the Conn Smythe Trophy. Thus, if he were to hit the market on July 1, he would have a ton of suitors. However, Bennett has now made a giant statement about his Panthers future that makes it seem that he will not become a free agent. Advertisement While at a Stanley Cup party, Bennett had a big message for the Panthers fans in attendance: "I ain't f-ing leaving." Naturally, the fans erupted into cheers in response to Bennett's announcement before Queen's classic "We Are the Champions" played in the background. While the Panthers have not announced a new deal for Bennett yet, it certainly seems that No. 9 will be staying in Florida. In 289 games over five seasons with the Panthers, Bennett has recorded 95 goals, 196 points, 616 hits, and a plus-46 rating. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Brad Marchand playfully trolls Panthers teammates' former clubs for allowing Florida to create juggernaut Advertisement Report: Panthers Star Not Interested In Signing With Maple Leafs The Hockey Show: Wrapping up another Stanley Cup Final on the ice in Sunrise How the Panthers spent their first day with the Stanley Cup Florida Panthers announce plans for Stanley Cup Championship parade along Fort Lauderdale Beach Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
