Panthers sign Bennett to extension

*Photo from NBC Sports*

   After experiencing a career rebound in South Florida, Sam Bennett gets to stick around. The Florida Panthers and Bennett have agreed to a 4 year, $17.6 million deal, with a $4.4 million AAV, according to Pierre Lebrun of TSN. The Panthers have confirmed the deal.

   Panthers GM Bill Zito said of the extension that "Sam's impact on our club this past season was seen immediately, injecting physicality, skill and energy into our lineup. We are thrilled to have him in our Panthers lineup and look forward to what he can bring to our offense in the upcoming 2021-22 season."

   After being traded to Florida at the trade deadline, Bennett put up 6 goals and 9 assists in 10 regular season games, with a +12 plus/minus in an ATOI of 18:04 with the Panthers, after the Calgary Flames traded him. In his 7 NHL seasons, Bennett has 73 goals and 82 assists, with a -55 plus/minus in an ATOI of 14:14, in 412 games, split between the Panthers and Flames.

   Bennett was a pending RFA, which would have taken effect on Wednesday. After being traded to Florida, Bennett was the second line center, with Jonathan Huberdeau on his left, and either Patric Hornqvist or Owen Tippett on his right. In 5 playoff games, Bennett scored one goal and 4 assists, with a suspension served in game two for a boarding penalty in game one. 

   Asked about staying with the Panthers, Bennett said "I never felt so comfortable in my life playing hockey. It's sometimes odd to go to a new team and feel that comfortable right away, but everything was clicking. Right away I got the opportunity, the coaching staff believed in me, and then found some great chemistry with the players. I got to play with great players and that always helps. The early chemistry was amazing, and I think that really helped me build my confidence and helped me have the early success."

   The Bennett deal is not the only move the Panthers have made so far. They traded away D-Man Anton Stralman to the Arizona Coyotes recently, and acquired Sam Reinhart from the Buffalo Sabres in a trade.