Sam Bennett’s stunning revival is powering Panthers toward back-to-back Stanley Cups

Sam Bennett is proving to be one of the NHL’s most valuable playoff performers. Once labeled a first-round bust by the Calgary Flames, Bennett has exploded as a postseason force with the Florida Panthers.

Now leading the Stanley Cup Playoffs in goals, the veteran center is showing exactly why he was a top pick and why Calgary might regret letting him go.

From Calgary's forgotten center to Florida’s Stanley Cup catalyst

When the Calgary Flames scratched Sam Bennett in March 2021—for the second straight game, it looked like his once-promising career had hit rock bottom. Drafted fourth overall in 2014, Bennett never quite clicked in Calgary’s system. Inconsistent deployment, position changes, and a lack of trust from coaches turned him into an underachieving afterthought.

That all changed with one trade.Since being dealt to the Florida Panthers, Bennett has transformed into a playoff nightmare for opponents. He leads the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 10 goals in 17 games, anchoring one of the league’s most dominant lines alongside Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe. Their chemistry, speed, and physicality have helped power Florida to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance.

In Florida, Bennett was finally allowed to play his natural center position. Under head coach Paul Maurice, he found not only a role but an identity. Aggressive, relentless, and unafraid of the dirty areas, Bennett’s game fits Florida’s in-your-face style perfectly.“He’s the definition of a playoff player,” Tkachuk said, and it’s hard to disagree.But this story isn’t just about redemption. It’s also about Calgary’s colossal mistake.

While the Flames continue searching for postseason success, they watch from the outside as a player they gave up on now thrives under the biggest spotlight in hockey. For a franchise still reeling from inconsistency and key departures, Bennett’s breakout is a bitter pill to swallow.And with unrestricted free agency approaching, Bennett’s stock is soaring. While flashier names like Mitch Marner dominate headlines, it’s Bennett’s hard-nosed, clutch performances that have general managers paying attention. He’s not just a depth piece anymore, he’s a difference-maker.Also Read: Connor McDavid’s wife, Lauren Kyle McDavid’s reaction turns heads after Oilers' Game 5 victory over StarsFor the Florida Panthers, Sam Bennett has become the player every contender needs in the postseason: physical, fast, fearless, and productive. For the Calgary Flames, he’s the one that got away.