Latest news with #ConnSmytheTrophy
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Contract extension on the cards? Sam Bennett drops major hint on staying with Panthers after playoff success
Is Sam Bennett hinting at a long-term future with the Florida Panthers? (Getty Images) Sam Bennett has just delivered a postseason for the ages, and as the Florida Panthers celebrate their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, fans are now holding their breath over one critical question: will Bennett be back? The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs were a career-defining stretch for Bennett, who not only helped power the Panthers to glory but also walked away with the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason. His 15 goals, including a record-setting 13 on the road, along with seven assists across 23 games, made him an unstoppable force throughout the playoffs. The performance was punctuated by five crucial goals in the Finals, including key tallies during the decisive 5–1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6. Are the Panthers and Sam Bennett close to reaching a new deal? While Bennett is set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1, the signs of a potential return are impossible to ignore. In the middle of postgame celebrations, fans surrounded Bennett with chants of 'eight more years,' and rather than deny the idea, he embraced the moment—smiling, acknowledging the fans, and fueling speculation about a contract extension. The mutual admiration between player and franchise has never been clearer. 'It's harder than I ever imagined to win the Stanley Cup once, and twice was even harder,' Bennett reflected. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 'So it's a huge honor to be a part of this group. I'm not going to take it for granted. I love being here, and I love this team.' Bennett's statement carries weight, not just for its emotion, but for the journey it represents. His transformation in Florida has been remarkable. After arriving from Calgary with doubts clouding his potential, he has evolved into one of the league's elite playoff performers. 'I always believed in myself,' he said. 'I always knew I could be more than I was when I first got traded. But it's all a dream, I guess, until you actually do it. ' Head coach Paul Maurice also highlighted Bennett's journey: 'There's a lot of heaviness that he had... There's a lot of work that had to go into it. He didn't show up with his talent and say, 'OK, feed me, and I'll show you how good I am.'' Sam Bennett | 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy Winner While contract negotiations will test the Panthers' salary cap flexibility, there's a growing sense that both sides want to make it work. With FanDuel having taken down the odds on Bennett's return—previously favoring it at -230—it's clear insiders suspect a deal might already be in motion. For now, Bennett has etched his name into Panthers lore. The only thing left is to see whether that legacy will continue to grow in Sunrise. Also Read: After being 'silenced' in Final, Connor McDavid's name surfaces in bold Maple Leafs trade prediction Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Connor McDavid rumors explode as Leon Draisaitl speaks on uncertain Edmonton Oilers future
After back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses, questions are rising about Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers. Fans are wondering if the team's biggest star will stay or move on. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Though McDavid hasn't said anything about leaving, the rumors are louder than ever. Now, after the team's second straight defeat to the Florida Panthers, teammate Leon Draisaitl has shared his honest thoughts and his answer might surprise you. Leon Draisaitl says he has not discussed Connor McDavid's future yet Leon Draisaitl spoke to the media on Tuesday, June 18, 2025, just one day after the Edmonton Oilers lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers in Game 6. The loss happened at Rogers Place in Edmonton. During a postgame interview, Draisaitl was asked directly if he knew anything about Connor McDavid's plans. 'I'm going to be honest,' Draisaitl said. 'I haven't really talked to Connor about it. There comes a time when we talk about it, but there's nothing I can tell you right now that you want to hear or need to hear.' Draisaitl made it clear that while he doesn't know what McDavid will do, he respects his teammate's decision. He added, 'That's his situation, and he will do what's best for him and his family. Do I want him here forever? Yes, of course. I think everybody does.' Draisaitl himself recently signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Oilers through the 2032–2033 NHL season. But McDavid has only one year left on his current deal and could request a trade if he wants a fresh start elsewhere. Connor McDavid praises Florida Panthers after back-to-back losses Connor McDavid also spoke after the final loss on Monday, June 17, 2025. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Oilers had once again fallen to the Florida Panthers, who won the Cup for the second year in a row. Last year, Edmonton forced a Game 7. This year, it ended in Game 6. Also Read: 'They're a really good team,' McDavid said in the press conference. 'We kept saying we wanted to win a 2–1 game, and we never found a way to do that. They're deep. How many guys had 20-plus points in the postseason? Six? That says everything.' McDavid also said, 'Nobody quit, nobody gave up, but they're back-to-back champs for a reason.' Brad Marchand, who joined the Panthers this season, played a big role and was even in talks for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
NHL Rumor: NHL star Sam Bennett avoids Maple Leafs in surprising free agent update
NHL Rumor: NHL star Sam Bennett avoids Maple Leafs in surprising free agent update (Image Source: Getty Images) Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett just helped his team win their second straight Stanley Cup. While fans are celebrating, talks about his future have already started. With his current contract ending soon, people want to know where he might play next. One NHL insider has now shared a big update that's getting a lot of attention—especially from Toronto Maple Leafs fans. But it's not the news they were hoping for. Sam Bennett reportedly not interested in joining Toronto Maple Leafs On Wednesday, June 19, 2025, NHL insider Andy Strickland posted an update on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that sparked strong reactions. Strickland wrote, 'Hearing Toronto will not be on Sam Bennett's list of free agent destinations, if unable to come to terms with Florida and he becomes a UFA.' Sam Bennett's four-year deal worth $17.7 million is coming to an end soon, and he will become an unrestricted free agent if he and the Panthers don't agree on a new contract. — andystrickland (@andystrickland) Bennett is coming off a strong playoff run where he won the Conn Smythe Trophy. He scored 15 goals during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and played a key role in helping the Panthers win back-to-back titles. Despite his strong season, it seems he has no plans to move to Toronto. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo At 28 years old, Bennett is expected to get a big contract this summer. But fans in Toronto might be disappointed if they were hoping to see him join the Maple Leafs. Frank Seravalli explains why Florida has an edge in keeping Sam Bennett NHL analyst Frank Seravalli gave more details about why Florida might be able to keep Sam Bennett, even if other teams offer more money. Speaking on Sportsnet earlier this week, Seravalli said, 'They've got the no state income tax advantage.' He added that Bennett could sign for eight years at $7.5 million per season and still earn more money than he would elsewhere. Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs Eye Sam Bennett As Potential Mitch Marner Replacement In Free Agency Shake-Up He explained how taxes in different cities affect NHL contracts. 'One team might offer seven years at $10 million, but after taxes, that could be less than Florida's offer,' Seravalli said. This makes it harder for teams in high-tax places like Toronto to attract big names. This matches what Andy Strickland said Bennett might not even consider Toronto if he leaves Florida. His choice may not be just about hockey, but also about money and comfort. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
New York Post
19 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Panthers' Aleksander Barkov wakes up neighbors at 5 a.m. with raucous Stanley Cup celebration
Aleksander Barkov gave his Florida neighbors a surprise wake-up call after winning the Stanley Cup. The Panthers' captain showed Lord Stanley's Cup to his neighbors around 5 a.m. Wednesday morning, as Ring camera footage from Barkov's housing development captured him going house to house to show off his team's prized possession. The footage posted to social media showed Barkov alongside several teammates walking up to a neighbor with the Cup on hand. 'I have the ring camera of Barkov knocking on my door,' neighbor Roger Rojas — @Rogerrojas_ — posted to X. Panthers general manager Bill Zito said on the 'Pat McAfee Show' that Barkov had returned home momentarily from their rendezvous before continuing their big night on the town winning their second straight title, both against the Oilers. 'Apparently, he went home at like five in the morning to change and clean up before they kept going,' Zito said on the show Wednesday. 'And walked around his neighborhood and banged on everyone's front door. 'Hey, you want coffee with the Cup?'' 3 Florida Panthers celebrate with the Stanley Cup by waking up neighbors to show it off. X, @Rogerrojas_ The Cup isn't just for having a bit of champagne or a drink, but each player and coach gets a day with it before the start of the next season. And the Panthers already dented the hardware in their raucous celebrations. 3 Barkov knocks on a neighbor's door. X, @Rogerrojas_ The back-to-back Stanley Cup winners smashed the Oilers by the end of the series, including a 5-1 win in the decisive Game 6. While Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy for postseason MVP, Barkov may have spurred the turnaround that helped the Panthers win it all. 3 The Florida Panthers celebrate with the Stanley Cup. AP Barkov ended the series on an impressive streak, tallying five assists in the last three games. Florida will again be formidable next season, as Barkov returns alongside goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and forwards Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk as their core remains intact.
Kuwait Times
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Panthers rout Oilers to capture second NHL Stanley Cup in a row
Panthers become the first NHL club since Tampa Bay to win back-to-back titles MIAMI: The Florida Panthers, powered by Sam Reinhart's four-goal effort, captured their second consecutive Stanley Cup on Tuesday, defeating Edmonton 5-1 to win the NHL Final. Florida goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 28 shots while Matthew Tkachuk added a goal for the Panthers, who took the best-of-seven series 4-2. 'It's incredible,' Florida's Brad Marchand said. 'It's a feeling you can't really describe... words can't put this into reality how great it feels. Such an incredible group.' After claiming their first crown last year, the Panthers become the first NHL club since Tampa Bay in 2020-21 to win back-to-back titles. Florida beat Edmonton in seven games in last year's Stanley Cup final after squandering a 3-0 series lead, but this time dominated the last two games to hoist the trophy again. 'It's an amazing feeling,' Bobrovsky said. 'They are amazing, the group. I'm so privileged to be their goalie. It's a dream come true and to win that trophy twice, it's amazing.' Not since Montreal beat Boston in 1977 and 1978 had a team defeated the same foe in the final two years in a row. The Panthers, who also lost to Vegas in the 2023 final, obtained Tkachuk in a 2022 trade with Calgary and haven't missed the final since. 'We're a dynasty,' Tkachuk said. 'And I can't believe this is what has happened... It just shows how unbelievable the group is, the depth.' Reinhart became only the fourth player to score seven goals in an NHL Final after Jean Beliveau in 1956, Mike Bossy in 1982 and Wayne Gretzky in 1985. 'It's not easy coming back again,' Reinhart said. 'You know how hard it is to do. Sometimes that benefits you and sometimes it doesn't. 'We just stuck with it. A lot has to go your way to be standing here at the end. We were up to task again.' Florida players took turns skating a lap on the ice after the game with the trophy lifted above their heads. Florida center Sam Bennett, who scored five goals in the final, won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup playoffs. 'It's incredible,' Bennett said. 'This was harder than last time. We put in so much work. There are 25 MVPs in this group. It's the best feeling in the world.' The Oilers, seeking their sixth crown overall, have not won the Cup since 1990. No Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since Montreal in 1993. Marchand, obtained in a trade from Boston where he won a Cup in 2011, scored six goals in the Stanley Cup Final. 'We just had that fire,' Marchand said. 'We knew we had something special.' Florida became only the eighth NHL team to clinch the Cup on home ice in back-to-back seasons, the first since the Oilers in 1987 and 1988. Reinhart runs wild Just 4:36 into the game, Reinhart stole the puck from Edmonton's Evan Bouchard at the blue line, evaded defender Mattias Ekholm and beat Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner one-on-one to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. It was the 29-year-old Canadian right wing's league-leading 15th goal of the playoffs, coming a day after Reinhart was named to Canada's 2026 Winter Olympic team. Tkachuk, named to the 2026 US Olympic squad, made it 2-0 for the Panthers just 47 seconds before the end of the first period. Reinhart made it 3-0 with 2:29 remaining in the second period, deflecting in an Aleksander Barkov shot. The Oilers pulled Skinner in favor of an extra attacker in desperation and Reinhart made them pay by scoring two goals into the empty net. Vasily Podkolzin scored for Edmonton with 4:42 remaining to avert a shutout. — AFP
