As the Florida Panthers celebrate their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship, debate around the Conn Smythe Trophy has stirred up strong opinions, especially from hockey icon Don Cherry. Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast “Grapevine” with his son Tim, Cherry didn’t hesitate to say who he thought deserved the playoff MVP award.
According to the former coach and analyst, Brad Marchand, not Sam Bennett, should have been handed the prestigious trophy.
NHL Legend Don Cherry Says Brad Marchand Was MVP Material
The Panthers wrapped up their title run with a convincing 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6, and both Marchand and Bennett were key contributors throughout the postseason.
Bennett ultimately secured the Conn Smythe Trophy, largely thanks to his NHL-leading 15 goals, 13 of which came on the road, setting an NHL postseason record. But for Cherry, numbers weren’t everything.
Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett put on a goal-scoring clinic during the 2025 #StanleyCup Playoffs 🚨 pic.twitter.com/2w9IU2jBYw
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 19, 2025
“I thought Marchand was pretty good. Sure, give it to both of them. Marchand should have won,” Cherry said on-air. His son Tim pointed out that Bennett’s goal tally likely swayed voters, but also highlighted Marchand’s well-rounded postseason: 10 goals, 20 points, three game-winners, and two in overtime. He also posted a strong plus-minus rating during the Panthers’ championship run.
The Panthers acquired Marchand in a deadline deal with the Boston Bruins on March 7, a move that paid off quickly. Marchand added a new layer to Florida’s offense and leadership, bringing championship experience from his 2011 Stanley Cup victory with Boston. He played 23 playoff games, delivering in critical moments and showing he still had plenty left in the tank at age 36.
The Conn Smythe voting was extremely close, with Bennett receiving 11 first-place votes compared to Marchand’s seven. In the final tally, Bennett prevailed by just eight points, 76-68, using the 5-3-1 scoring system employed by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Brad Marchand Eyes Future with the Panthers
With the season now over, attention has turned to Marchand’s contract status. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and made his intentions known during the championship parade. Laughing, he told Panthers GM Bill Zito, “Give me a contract.”
Brad Marchand’s message to GM Bill Zito: “Give me a contract!” 😀 pic.twitter.com/i5WKRGy0Uk
— Katie Engleson (@KatieEngleson) June 20, 2025
Nothing is official yet, but insiders like Elliotte Friedman expect a competitive market. In his “32 Thoughts” column, Friedman reported that Marchand could earn $24 million or more, depending on the structure and terms teams offer. Potential landing spots reportedly include the Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, and even the Utah Hockey Club.
Marchand finished the regular season with 51 points in 71 games split between the Boston Bruins and the Panthers. With another Cup now added to his résumé, his second since 2011, he enters free agency as one of the most experienced and decorated players on the market.
The Panthers, meanwhile, have some decisions to make. Bennett was a force throughout the playoffs and also faces free agency, but Marchand’s complete contribution has clearly left a lasting impression on fans and one very well-known hockey voice. Both players were instrumental in Florida becoming the first team since the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020-21 to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
