Sam Bennett lifted his second straight Stanley Cup just months ago, but his $64 million contract has already landed him on a list no player wants to see. The Florida Panthers forward found himself ranked eighth on The Athletic‘s worst NHL contracts for 2025, despite being the engine behind back-to-back championships.
The contradiction reveals everything about how modern hockey values regular-season numbers versus clutch playoff performance.
Why Is Sam Bennett’s $64 Million Deal Drawing Criticism?
Analyst Dom Luszczyszyn didn’t mince words when breaking down Bennett’s eight-year, $64 million contract.
“In a vacuum, $8 million for Bennett is too much, and so too is an eight-year term that will take up most of his 30s. In a vacuum, this deal may not age very well, and it’s on this list for that reason,” Luszczyszyn noted, adding that the early years are fine, but risk grows later.
This piece is about the players who aren’t worth the money — the worst deals in the NHL.
It’s when you ask yourself, “How is this guy making that much?” but in a bad way, writes @domluszczyszyn.
And yes, the reigning Conn Smythe winner made this list 👀… pic.twitter.com/Umo8cx6GM8
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 31, 2025
Bennett posted 25 goals and 51 points in 76 games during the 2024-25 regular season. While solid, those statistics suggest he’s closer to a $5.5 million player based purely on regular-season production. However, that assessment ignores what happens when the stakes get highest.
What Makes Bennett Worth Every Dollar When It Counts?
The playoffs reveal Bennett’s true value. During Florida’s championship run, he scored a league-high 15 goals and added 22 points, transforming from a solid regular-season contributor into an unstoppable force. This dramatic elevation separates Bennett from most NHL players.
Luszczyszyn acknowledged this crucial distinction, explaining that while Bennett’s regular-season performance might reflect a $5.5 million player, he transforms in the postseason.
The analyst noted that Bennett plays at a level closer to a $10.5 million star when the games matter most, elevating his performance more than most players can manage under pressure.
Beyond the scoring numbers, Bennett brings a physical, grinding style that wears down opponents throughout a playoff series. This creates opportunities for teammates while disrupting opposing defensive systems.
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With Aleksander Barkov and Anton Lundell handling defensive matchups, Bennett gets freed up to exploit offensive chances and thrive in high-pressure situations.
The Panthers’ salary cap structure also provides crucial context. Florida has secured team-friendly deals with stars like Sam Reinhart, Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Lundell, Gustav Forsling, and Aaron Ekblad. This financial flexibility allows them to absorb Bennett’s contract without compromising their long-term competitiveness.
Luszczyszyn emphasized that Bennett’s contract isn’t a concern for the Panthers specifically, noting that within the team’s structure and cap savings elsewhere, it’s a manageable risk they can comfortably take. The deal looks different when viewed through Florida’s championship window rather than as an isolated transaction.
While only Cody Ceci and Tanner Jeannot were ranked lower than Bennett on the worst contracts list, and several other big names like Jonathan Huberdeau, Ivan Provorov, and Sean Couturier were ranked higher, Bennett has a clear path forward.
If he continues elevating his game in future playoffs and sustains his recent improvements, his $64 million contract could transform from a questionable investment into a championship-winning decision.
