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.
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 quote comes a bit over 10 days before the start of free agency next month, when the veteran center is set to enter the market as an unrestricted free agent, barring a contract extension signed before July 1.
He ain’t leavin’… pic.twitter.com/pRAeCspR6l
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 20, 2025
Bennett, who turned 29 on Friday, was named Conn Smythe winner after a dominant postseason in which he scored 22 points in 23 games, and could command a significant contract on the open market.
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.
“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.
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.
