Latest news with #ConnSmytheTrophy
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Panthers won Stanley Cup, but Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov just etched even more prestigious NHL honors
Panthers' Bennett and Barkov add Conn Smythe, Selke, and King Clancy honors (Image via: Getty Images) The Florida Panthers may have lifted the Stanley Cup for the second straight year, but the spotlight didn't stop there. While the Cup toured across South Florida and beyond, Panthers standouts Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov quietly added their names to more legendary NHL trophies this summer, cementing their places in hockey history. Sam Bennett wins Conn Smythe , Aleksander Barkov adds Selke and King Clancy to his legacy After a dominant playoff run, Sam Bennett was honored with the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Florida center scored 15 postseason goals—more than anyone else—and delivered when it mattered most, notching eight goals in the Panthers' final six road games. Shortly after earning the Conn Smythe, Bennett signed a massive eight-year, $64 million contract extension to stay with Florida. It was a move that showed the team's commitment to keeping its championship core intact and keeping Bennett's momentum rolling. Aleksander Barkov earns Selke and King Clancy for excellence At the same time, Aleksander Barkov added two more major honors to his already impressive resume. The Panthers captain was awarded his third Selke Trophy, given to the NHL's top defensive forward. Known for his calm presence, elite puck control, and all-around play, Barkov remains one of the most respected two-way players in the league. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Se hai un obiettivo, ora scegli la strategia da abbinare eToro Learn More Undo But it was Barkov's impact off the ice that earned him the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award celebrates leadership and community work—both of which Barkov has shown in abundance. Since the 2019–20 season, he's pledged $1,600 for every goal and $800 for every assist to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. To date, he has donated more than $400,000. Barkov and Bennett recognized as true champs beyond Stanley Cup win When he found out about the King Clancy honor, it was the children from the hospital who delivered the news, a fitting tribute to a player who's made such a difference in their lives. Also Read: Sidney Crosby trade rumors intensify as Canadiens and Avalanche emerge as top contenders This summer wasn't just about lifting the Stanley Cup. For Bennett and Barkov, it was about being recognized as leaders, playmakers, and people who define what a winning culture looks like—on and off the ice. FAQs Q1: What trophies did Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov win after the Stanley Cup victory? Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Aleksander Barkov earned his third Selke Trophy for best defensive forward and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for leadership and humanitarian efforts. Q2: Why did Aleksander Barkov receive the King Clancy Trophy? Barkov was recognized for his exceptional leadership and charitable work, particularly his donations to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Since 2019, he has pledged money for every goal and assist, contributing over $400,000 to the hospital. Q3: How many goals did Sam Bennett score in the 2024 NHL Playoffs? Sam Bennett led all players in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 15 goals, including scoring in Florida's final six road games, a key factor in earning the Conn Smythe Trophy. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sam Bennett lands huge contract extension. Will Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad be next?
Florida Panthers fans asked for it. Sam Bennett himself promised it. And general manager Bill Zito delivered. Bennett signed his anticipated eight-year contract extension June 27 worth $64 million. The 29-year-old was due to become a free agent July 1. He would have been among the most coveted players on the market after winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, scoring a team-record 15 goals during the Panthers' run to a second straight Stanley Cup. Zito has done remarkable work in building and maintaining his team through three consecutive runs to the Stanley Cup Final. He's locked up major components through at least the 2029-30 season, with Bennett joining Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart, Gustav Forsling, Anton Lundell and trade deadline acquisition Seth Jones. But he lost a host of key players from the Panthers' first championship team, and there are two more big ones whose fates are undetermined: longtime Florida stalwart Aaron Ekblad and hated enemy-turned-fan favorite Brad Marchand. In celebrations after beating the Edmonton Oilers for the second year in a row, fans chanted, "Eight more years!" when Bennett appeared at the legendary Elbo Room bar in Fort Lauderdale. At various events around South Florida, he told cheering crowds that he was staying. It will be harder to bring back the other two. Let's break down the Bennett contract and what the Panthers might do with impending free agents Marchand and Ekblad: Sam Bennett contract Bennett has been a star since coming to Florida via trade from Calgary in 2021. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2014 NHL draft has scored 95 goals and put up 101 assists over five seasons in Sunrise, plus 27 and 24 over the past three postseasons. The center had a career-high 51 points this season. He signed a four-year, $17.7 million deal with Florida before the 2021-22 season, so his new deal is a major boost to his wallet. Bennett counted just short of $4.5 million each year against the salary cap, a number that will rise to $8 million annually after the new deal kicks in. Brad Marchand's future with Florida Panthers When the Panthers traded for the longtime Boston Bruins star, opposing teams knew the pestering wing would slot perfectly into Florida's physical system. He had a slow start as he worked his way back from injury, but he was a goal-scoring machine in the playoffs, nearly taking Conn Smythe honors away from Bennett. He had 10 goals and 10 assists over the postseason for 20 points, the second-most in his long career, and scored one of the most important goals during the run to the Cup, a game-winner in double overtime of Game 2 in Edmonton to even the series. But Marchand is 37 years old. He scored just 51 points this season, his lowest total since 2014-15. His style of play will make it tempting to bring him back, but there's a good chance the Panthers won't be able to afford him. His pedigree and playoff run will make other teams — Toronto, perhaps — want to bring him in for one more big deal for a championship run. Florida's benefit of no state tax likely won't help them that much. Aaron Ekblad's future with Florida Panthers Before the Flames took Bennett with the No. 4 pick in the 2014 draft, the Panthers grabbed premier defenseman Aaron Ekblad first overall. He won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year and was an All-Star twice as a teenager, putting up 118 goals and 262 assists over his 11-year career with Florida. The 29-year-old is more expendable now, though. He finished sixth in Norris Trophy voting in 2022, but that was the only time he's received votes as the league's best defenseman since his second All-Star season. The addition of Seth Jones means there are more options for Gustav Forsling's partner on the first defensive pairing with Dmitry Kulikov and Niko Mikkola still on the roster. Florida had about $19 million to spend in free agency before the Bennett extension. There's a chance they bring back one of Marchand or Ekblad, but bringing back both while still refortifying for a three-peat seems like a stretch. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Sam Bennett contract details: Florida Panthers next free agency moves
UPI
14-07-2025
- Sport
- UPI
Florida Panthers to lead off NHL opening night triple-header
Forward Sam Reinhart (L) and the Florida Panthers will host the Chicago Blackhawks in the first game of the NHL regular season at 5 p.m. EDT Oct. 7 in Sunrise, Fla. File Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo July 14 (UPI) -- The two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers take on the Chicago Blackhawks in an opening night triple-header to launch the 2025 NHL regular-season, the league announced Monday. Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett and the Panthers will raise their Stanley Cup banner and battle the Blackhawks at 5 p.m. EDT Oct. 7 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. A second opening night contest will feature the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:30 p.m. at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Los Angeles Kings then will host the Colorado Avalanche in the nightcap at 10 p.m. at Arena in Los Angeles. All three matchups will air on ESPN. Full 2025-26 NHL schedules for all 30 teams will be announced at 1 p.m. Wednesday on NHL Network.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NHL star Sam Bennett and wife Zoe Zeleny celebrate their wedding with a Panthers-themed first dance
NHL star Sam Bennett and wife Zoe Zeleny celebrate their wedding with a Panthers-themed first dance (Image Via IG/@sbennett_93) Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett found a few different ways to mix his work with play. The couple truly made an entrance at the wedding of Sam Bennett and his long-time partner, Zoe Zeleny: They danced to the Panthers' goal song! Their first dance grew increasingly romantic as it paid homage to the high-energy atmosphere at Florida home games, handkerchief waving included, to a reception filled with cheers from guests and fans alike. Sam Bennett and Zoe Zeleny combine love, hockey, and charity into a shared journey More than just a viral moment from the wedding, the snippet was really a window into the personality of the couple. Their shared goodwill extends far beyond the rink and into community work through an animal adoption initiative in which they engage, called Benny's Buddies. Zoe Zeleny has been a strong contributor to the cause since the founding of the organization, with her time spent volunteering at the Humane Society of Broward County. The other half of the equation is the couple's mutual love for animals and desire to give back; this trio launched the organization that pays adoption fees every time Sam Bennett scores a goal. The wedding came just after he had completed Bennett's landmark eight-year, $64 million contract extension with the Florida Panthers. This sharp rise in income, combined with a long-term commitment to the franchise, meant that the couple was able to combine the celebrations for both personal and professional milestones. During his post-signing media call, Bennett wore a Benny's Buddies cap, leaving no doubt about his commitment to the cause. This is one of the most successful seasons in Bennett's career. He recorded personal bests of 51 points in the regular season while adding 15 goals in the playoffs, 13 of which were on the road, setting a new NHL record. Clutch performances rewarded him with the Conn Smythe Trophy, and the Panthers won their second Stanley Cup in as many years, thus etching his name into the league's prominent ranks. Also Read: NHL trade rumors: Erik Karlsson linked to Detroit Red Wings amid talks with Pittsburgh Penguins From skating horizons with Sam Bennett to protecting wildlife with his partner Zoe Zeleny, things fundamentally change about what constitutes a sports couple. More than just dances crossed paths by wedding daylight, the actual event was a sincere expression of what they are passionate about-united side by side in their efforts to make an impact. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Best players available in NHL free agency after Maple Leafs re-sign John Tavares
Even though the New York Rangers aren't expected to wade into the deep end of the free-agent pool, they'll be eagerly looking at everyone who becomes available when NHL free agency begins at noon ET on Tuesday. The Toronto Maple Leafs took one of the bigger chips off the board on Friday when they re-signed center John Tavares to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $4.38 million. Tarvares' return keeps one of Toronto's two key unrestricted free agents with the Leafs, but the other one looks like he'll be somewhere else next season. Forward Mitch Marner is at the top of the list of potential UFAs who can sign with any team. Advertisement The Rangers, who have about $12.2 million in cap space and need to sign unrestricted free agent forward Will Cuylle, will likely do more looking than shopping unless they make a trade to free up more money. Defenseman K'Andre Miller has been mentioned as a trade possibility. Here are 10 of the top players who will hit unrestricted free agency, barring a late signing or two. Related: Why Rangers draft history since 2000 not pretty without 1st-round pick Mitch Marner, RW (Toronto Maple Leafs) Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images The 28-year-old right wing is the top free agent on the board after posting career highs in assists (75) and points (102) this past season, finishing fifth in the League scoring race. The two-time NHL First-Team All-Star is a better playmaker than goal scorer. He's expected to command at least $12 million per season on as long a contract as he wants. The Maple Leafs haven't made much of a push to sign him, and his market could be slightly limited because teams like the Rangers probably don't have the cap space. Whoever signs him will be getting one of the League's top players in the prime of his career. Sam Bennett, C (Florida Panthers) Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Bennett led all postseason scorers with 15 goals and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after the Florida Panthers won their second straight Stanley Cup championship. He's also coming off a career-best 51-point season, including 25 goals. He's still headed for free agency — but expect the Panthers to make a push to sign him before Tuesday as general manager Bill Zito tries to keep the band together for another Cup run. Brad Marchand, LW (Florida Panthers) Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Money or a perfect fit? That's the question facing Marchand as he decides on his next career move. The longtime Boston Bruins forward came to Florida just before the NHL Trade Deadline in March, used the remainder of the regular season to get healthy and excelled on the Panthers third line in the playoffs, putting up 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists), including six goals in the Final. At 37, he'll be looking for one last payday but might be better off taking a little less money and staying put. Aaron Ekblad, D (Florida Panthers) Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Ekblad is a career Panther; Florida took him with the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. He's a solid first-pair right-shot defenseman who could command upwards of $7 million on the open market. But Zito showed last year when the Panthers let Brandon Montour walk in free agency after excelling during the first Cup run that he was willing to make tough decisions. Ekblad might also be willing to take less to stay. Vladislav Gavrikov, D (Los Angeles Kings) Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images The Rangers have been linked to Gavrikov, who's coming off an excellent season with the Los Angeles Kings and would fill a big hole on the left side of New York's No. 1 defense pairing. But Los Angeles would like to keep him if the money works – the reported asking price is seven years at $8 million per. He averaged 23 minutes a game in 2024-25, had a career-high 30 points (five goals, 25 assists) and finished plus-26, by far the best mark of his career. Brock Boeser, LW (Vancouver Canucks) Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports The Rangers and most of the rest of the NHL could use a player like Boeser, a six-time 20-goal scorer who had 40 in 2023-24. Vancouver did try to trade him during this past season as free agency approached but felt making the playoffs was a better plan, though they failed to do so anyway. Published reports say Boeser, who's coming off a three-year contract with an AAV of $6.65 million, could be in line for a six-year deal worth more than $8 million. His scoring touch could help the Rangers, but not at that price. Nikolaj Ehlers, LW (Winnipeg Jets) Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Ehlers is coming off his eighth 20-goal season, and his 63 points were one short of his career high. At age 29, he should still have several productive years remaining. The Jets are hoping the recent addition of center Jonathan Toews might induce Ehlers to re-up with the team that won the Presidents' Trophy as regular-season champion. The Jets still have to extend top-line left wing Kyle Connor, so Ehlers could wind up playing elsewhere in 2025-26. Ivan Provorov, D (Columbus Blue Jackets) Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images If the Rangers can't land Gavrikov, Provorov could be an acceptable substitute – with the added benefit of weakening a division rival. He's coming off a solid 33-point season (seven goals, 26 assists), finished plus-11 and averaged 23:21 of ice time while playing all 82 games for the third straight season. The 28-year-old Russian figures to get a lot of interest if the Columbus Blue Jackets don't re-sign him first. Patrick Kane, RW (Detroit Red Wings) Geoff Burke-Imagn Images A healthy Kane is still a productive Kane, and he showed in Detroit last season that he's far removed from the injury-plagued player Rangers fans saw at the tail end of 2022-23. Kane's 59 points were the most he's had since 2021-22, and even at 36 he can provide a jolt to any struggling power play. He has serious defensive limitations but could be a good fit for any team that can play him in sheltered minutes and offer lots of power-play time – something the Rangers might be able to do with Chris Kreider gone to the Anaheim Ducks. Jake Allen, G (New Jersey Devils) Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images The goalie market is a thin one, so the Rangers are more than happy to have Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick manning the crease for the third straight season. Allen isn't going to carry a No. 1 load, but he's a dependable second banana who can step into the top job if the starter goes down (as Jacob Markstrom did last season for the Devils). His 13-16-1 record this past season was belied by a 2.66 goals-against average and .908 save percentage. Advertisement Related Headlines
