Sam Bennett could have gone to free agency and picked his landing spot, plus probably could have signed for much more money than the Florida Panthers were able to offer.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett signed an eight-year, $64 million extension with the Florida Panthers on Friday night. Bennett, who turned 29 earlier this month, is now under contract through the 2032-33 season.

I love the team, the staff, the owners, just everything about it is really a dream situation. So I couldn't pass up the chance to be back here for another eight years.'