Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett is the steady heartbeat of the Florida Panthers

He battles pucks free along the boards, drives the crease, and still hustles back like a real center. That's hockey IQ on display, not just noise and swagger.

When the Florida Panthers get nicked up, Bennett's utility starts to feel like a safety net. He can slide up the middle, take heavier matchups, or simplify his game and just win pucks so the lineup doesn't wobble when regulars miss time.

Bennett is 29, drafted fourth overall by Calgary in 2014, and he fits Florida's identity. After 51 points in 76 games last season, he signed an eight-year, $64 million deal at $8 million AAV.

In the 2025 playoffs he scored 15 goals and added 22 points in 23 games, then won the Conn Smythe. NHL.com said he set a record with 13 road goals in one run.

As a fan, I trust Bennett more than most stars when the game gets ugly. He reads pressure fast, chips pucks behind pinching defensemen, then arrives first on the forecheck.

That's why coaches keep him in the middle of a tight game, especially on late draws and second-unit power play work. His career line sits at 336 points in 691 games, steady value over flash.

At the 4 Nations Face-Off, Bennett scored Canada's tying goal in the final and worked the greasy areas all tournament. Canada won in overtime over the United States, and that goal mattered.

NHL player notes pegged him at 29 points in 39 playoff games across Florida's last two runs. They also noted he led the Panthers in hits during the 2024 playoffs.

Canada's Olympic roster was finalized on New Year's Eve, and Bennett was one of the 4 Nations forwards left out. He said he 'did not do enough,' and is on standby for injuries.

It's a tough pill, but it fits Bennett, keep your head down and keep producing. If February turns messy, Team Canada may still need that steady, nasty center.