Sam
Bennett
C · FLA · Offensive · Above average
- PAL
- 63
- WAR
- 1.3
- Value
- 42
- PTS
- 58
2025-26№ 123 / 615
Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers) stats and profile: offensive production, ice time, advanced stats, WAR and PAL rating.
Sam Bennett
#9CPlays: Centre · 78% of faceoffs
Florida Panthers
HEIGHT : 185 cm · WEIGHT : 88 kg · SHOOTS : L
Born : June 19, 1996 · Holland Landing, Canada
Drafted : 2014 · CGY · round 1, pick #4
Contract : $8,000,000 · 2025-26 → 2032-33 · Standard Contract (Extension) · UFA · Signing bonus $9,200,000NMC / M-NTC
NHL record
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | Florida Panthers | 18 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 15 |
| 2025-26 | Florida Panthers | 76 | 26 | 32 | 58 | 82 |
| 2024-25 | Florida Panthers | 76 | 25 | 26 | 51 | 90 |
| 2023-24 | Florida Panthers | 69 | 20 | 21 | 41 | 100 |
| 2022-23 | Florida Panthers | 63 | 16 | 24 | 40 | 54 |
| 2021-22 | Florida Panthers | 71 | 28 | 21 | 49 | 74 |
| 2020-21 | Florida Panthers | 10 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 33 |
| 2020-21 | Calgary Flames | 38 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 19 |
| 2019-20 | Calgary Flames | 52 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 36 |
| 2018-19 | Calgary Flames | 71 | 13 | 14 | 27 | 93 |
| 2017-18 | Calgary Flames | 82 | 11 | 15 | 26 | 59 |
| 2016-17 | Calgary Flames | 81 | 13 | 13 | 26 | 75 |
| 2015-16 | Calgary Flames | 77 | 18 | 18 | 36 | 37 |
| 2014-15 | Calgary Flames | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| NHL totals | 784 | 193 | 209 | 402 | 765 | |
Playoffs
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Florida Panthers | 23 | 15 | 7 | 22 | 48 |
| 2023-24 | Florida Panthers | 19 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 12 |
| 2022-23 | Florida Panthers | 20 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 60 |
| 2021-22 | Florida Panthers | 10 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 12 |
| 2020-21 | Florida Panthers | 5 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 8 |
| 2019-20 | Calgary Flames | 10 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 10 |
| 2018-19 | Calgary Flames | 5 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 16 |
| 2016-17 | Calgary Flames | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| 2014-15 | Calgary Flames | 11 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 8 |
| Playoff totals | 107 | 40 | 38 | 78 | 178 | |
Honours
- 🏆 Stanley Cup2 times · 2024-25, 2023-24
- 🏆 Conn Smythe Trophyonce · 2024-25
Sam Bennett: our analysis
2025-26 season: 76 GP, 26 G, 32 A, 58 PTS, -10 +/-, 18:30 TOI. WAR 1.3 (123rd of 615) · PAL 63, above average.
In 2025-26, Sam Bennett, 30, posts a PAL Rating of 63 out of 100 (above average), and his WAR of 1.3 ranks 123rd among 615 regulars, in the top quarter.
His strengths: creation (93, among the best in the league), power play (92, among the best in the league) and penalty kill (87, among the best in the league). On the other hand, discipline (2, among the weakest in the league) and defense (12, among the weakest in the league) hold him back.
Breaking down his WAR (goals above average), his biggest contribution: EV offense (+3.8); his biggest cost: penalties (-2.9).
A marked decline: his PAL was 75 in 2024-25, against 63 now; his WAR, though, went from 0.4 to 1.3.
Contract-wise, his Value score of 42 (poor return) weighs his output against what he costs: 50 is what that salary should buy.
Sam Bennett's story
As a teen in Ontario, Sam Bennett cut his teeth with the Kingston Frontenacs after stints with York‑Simcoe and the Toronto Marlboros, even playing in the Quebec pee‑wee tournament alongside Connor McDavid. Drafted ninth overall by Kingston in 2012, he earned immediate recognition in the OHL, posting a point‑a‑game pace in his rookie year and landing on the league’s all‑rookie team.
A breakout 2013–14 campaign established him among the top North American prospects for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft: 36 goals and 91 points in 57 regular‑season games, a long scoring streak and strong playoff contributions despite playing through a groin issue. Scouts highlighted his puck skills and shooting, and Calgary picked him fourth overall that summer; a shoulder problem discovered at NHL camp required surgery and delayed his pro start.
Bennett signed an entry‑level deal with the Flames, made his NHL debut in April 2015 and recorded a first‑shift assist. He scored his first NHL goal in the 2015 playoffs and produced standout moments in Calgary, including a four‑goal game in January 2016, before being traded to the Florida Panthers in April 2021.
The change of scenery sparked an uptick in offence: an immediate scoring impact, a multi‑year extension in July 2021 and career highs as part of Florida’s top lines. With the Panthers he reached the Stanley Cup pinnacle twice, lifting the Cup in 2024 and again in 2025, and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2025 as playoff MVP. Internationally, he won junior gold with Canada in 2013 and was named to Canada’s 2026 Olympic team, which finished with a silver medal.
On the ice Bennett’s game is straightforward: he sees the ice well, handles and distributes the puck effectively and possesses a hard, well‑placed shot from the high slot. He also brings a competitive edge and forechecking motor that help create space for linemates and generate chances around the net.
Facts drawn from Wikipédia, told in our own words.
Advanced stats
- TOI/GP
- 17:39
- PP TOI/GP
- 2:49
- SH TOI/GP
- 0:12
- Pts/GP
- 0.44
- EV points
- 8
- Hits
- 39
- Blocks
- 5
- Takeaways
- 2
- Corsi % (SAT)
- 55.7 %
- Off. zone starts
- 33.2 %
- Faceoffs
- 49.4 %
Stats and photos: NHL (NHL.com)
2026-27 projection
Projected points
50between 29 and 71 (80% range)
- Goals
- 24
- Assists
- 26
- Games
- 79
So far: 8 pts in 18 games. The team has played 18 of 84 games. Projected pace: 0.69 pts per game (last season: 0.76).
Three straight seasons of growth. Since 2018, of 97 players in that spot, 23 kept improving the next season; on average, their pace fell back to 90% of their best season.
The projection follows last season's pace. Tested on 2,265 player seasons (2022-23 to 2025-26): average miss of 9 points over 82 games; for players at 0.9 points per game and up, it ran 5 points high on average.
Trend
Stable
- Points per game: 0.59 in 23-24, 0.76 in 25-26
- PAL Rating: 75 → 63
Outlook, age included
→ StableAge 30: prime years
This is only a projection. It knows nothing about injuries, trades or role changes; one player in five finishes outside the range.
Player ratings, 2025-26
All ratings →Fourteen ratings from 0 to 100 drawn from data, never by hand: 75 = established NHL player, 95+ = elite.
OV · OverallConfidence 83 %
78
Established NHL
- SK
- Skating
- 79
- Confidence 73 %
- ST
- Strength
- 60
- Confidence 86 %
- EN
- Endurance
- 81
- Confidence 80 %
- DU
- Durability
- 79
- Confidence 77 %
- CK
- Checking
- 81
- Confidence 86 %
- FG
- Fighting
- 85
- Confidence 64 %
- DI
- Discipline
- 37
- Confidence 86 %
- FO
- Faceoffs
- 70
- Confidence 91 %
- PA
- Passing
- 81
- Confidence 83 %
- SC
- Scoring
- 86
- Confidence 83 %
- DF
- Defense
- 64
- Confidence 80 %
- PS
- Penalty shot
- 62
- Confidence 14 %
- EX
- Experience
- 92
- Confidence 100 %
Why these ratings?Hide details
SK — Skating79
- Top speed (35 %)36 · 71
- Bursts > 20 mph /60 (30 %)5.274 · 72
- Distance /60 (20 %)17.2 · 91
- Speed consistency (15 %)35.6 · 77
ST — Strength60
- Contact absorbed /60 (50 %)2.759 · 62
- Body mass (50 %)-0.461 · 72
EN — Endurance81
- Ice time per game (45 %)16.7 · 82
- Total ice time (20 %)1,356 · 84
- Shift length (15 %)46.2 · 78
- Lowest recent ice time per game (15 %)15.3 · 80
- Special-teams time per game (5 %)3.161 · 82
DU — Durability79
- Share of games played (100 %)0.845 · 79
CK — Checking81
- Hits /60 (70 %)6.03 · 80
- Lowest seasonal rate (20 %)4.886 · 80
- Season volume (10 %)4.754 · 82
FG — Fighting85
- Fights per 82 games (100 %)1.24 · 85
DI — Discipline37
- Net penalty value /60 (50 %)-0.081 · 42
- Penalties taken /60 (30 %)1.258 · 47
- Penalties drawn /60 (20 %)0.779 · 77
FO — Faceoffs70
- Faceoff % (85 %)47.6 · 67
- Faceoffs /60 (15 %)45.9 · 81
PA — Passing81
- Primary assists /60 (40 %)0.797 · 80
- Secondary assists /60 (20 %)0.519 · 77
- Offensive creation (RAPM) (20 %)0.183 · 85
- Power-play points /60 (10 %)4.085 · 70
- Assist consistency (10 %)0.678 · 83
SC — Scoring86
- Goals /60 (25 %)1.088 · 84
- Individual xG /60 (20 %)1.12 · 89
- Finishing (goals − xG per shot) (20 %)-0.404 · 71
- High-danger chances /60 (15 %)2 · 89
- xG per shot (10 %)0.083 · 78
- Shot attempts /60 (10 %)17.9 · 91
DF — Defense64
- RAPM defense /60 (35 %)-0.012 · 71
- Relative xG against (20 %)0.417 · 47
- On-ice xG against /60 (15 %)2.834 · 60
- Penalty kill /60 (10 %)0.133 · 87
- Takeaways − giveaways /60 (10 %)-1.413 · 74
- Shot attempts against /60 (5 %)61.7 · 56
- Blocked shots /60 (5 %)2.266 · 68
PS — Penalty shot62
- Shootouts (60 %)31.2 · 61
- Penalty shots (40 %)26.7 · 76
EX — Experience92
- Career regular-season games (65 %)94
- Career playoff games (25 %)88
- NHL seasons (10 %)87
OV — Overall78
- SC · Scoring (20 %)86
- PA · Passing (20 %)81
- DF · Defense (20 %)64
- SK · Skating (12 %)79
- FO · Faceoffs (10 %)70
- EN · Endurance (8 %)81
- DI · Discipline (5 %)37
- ST · Strength (3 %)60
- CK · Checking (2 %)81
| Season | OV | SK | SC | DF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 78 | 79 | 86 | 64 |
| 2024-25 | 79 | 80 | 87 | 68 |
| 2023-24 | 79 | 81 | 84 | 72 |
| 2022-23 | 78 | 80 | 83 | 69 |
The bars show confidence (sample size), not player quality. — : not enough data, not a zero. Engine version 1.0.
WAR and PAL ratings, 2025-26
How we rate →PAL Rating scores performance from 0 to 100 against players at the same position (50 = average player), starting from the player's strength, offensive or defensive. Value Rating compares that performance with what the player costs: 50 means paid what the play is worth.
WAR
1.3
wins above replacement
123 of 615
PAL Rating
63/ 100
Performance · Above average
161 of 476 at the position
Value Rating
42/ 100
Poor return
8.00 M$ · expected PAL 72
ProfileOffensiveValue comes mostly from offense
- Offense
- 87
- Defense
- 24
See full detailsHide details
- Offense
- 77
- Creation
- 93
- Shooting
- 85
- Possession
- 56
- Defense
- 12
- Discipline
- 2
- Power play
- 92
- Penalty kill
- 87
From 0 to 100; 50 is the average player at the same position, adjusted for ice time.
| Season | Team | WAR | PAL | Value | Cap hit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | FLA | 1.3 | 63 | 42 | 8.00 M$ |
| 2024-25 | FLA | 0.4 | 75 | 65 | 4.43 M$ |
| 2023-24 | FLA | 0.7 | 78 | 63 | 4.43 M$ |
| 2022-23 | FLA | -0.1 | 74 | 56 | 4.43 M$ |
Hockey IQ, 2025-26
Rankings and method →The quality of the player's decisions with and against the puck at 5-on-5, against regulars at the same position (50 = average). PAL measures output; IQ measures how the player plays.
Overall IQ
37/ 100
Below average
better than 37% of forwards, offense and defense combined
Offensive IQ
66/ 100
Average
passing, shots, puck
Defensive IQ
25/ 100
Below average
takeaways, discipline, own zone
Overall IQ isn't an average of the two scores: it's the player's rank with offense and defense combined, 266 of 424 forwards.
See full detailsHide details
Offense
- Playmaking passes
- 75
- Shot selection
- 56
- Penalties drawn
- 51
- Puck management
- 61
Defense
- Takeaways
- 65
- Discipline
- 11
- Safe zone exits
- 62
Percentiles: 80 means better than 80% of regulars at the same position. Play without the puck (positioning, coverage) isn't measured: the NHL doesn't publish that data.
| Season | Team | IQ | Off. | Def. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | FLA | 37 | 66 | 25 |
| 2024-25 | FLA | 53 | 88 | 19 |
| 2023-24 | FLA | 43 | 82 | 15 |
| 2022-23 | FLA | 36 | 81 | 15 |
WAR, 2025-26
How it's calculated →Wins added to the team, compared with a replacement-level player called up from the AHL.
1.3
wins above replacement
-0.2 to 2.7 — 90% interval
123 of 615 forwards
+6.8 goals above replacement
Full leaderboard →See full detailsHide details
- EV offense
- +3.8
- EV defense
- -1.1
- Power play
- +2.5
- Penalty kill
- +0.4
- Shooting
- +0.5
- Penalties
- -2.9
- Average → replacement
- +3.6
In goals.
| Season | Team | GP | WAR | 90% interval | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | FLA | 76 | 1.3 | -0.2 to 2.7 | 123/615 |
| 2024-25 | FLA | 75 | 0.4 | -0.3 to 1.5 | 255/596 |
| 2023-24 | FLA | 69 | 0.7 | -0.7 to 2.1 | 202/608 |
| 2022-23 | FLA | 63 | -0.1 | -1.3 to 1.1 | 475/617 |
Player tracking (NHL EDGE)
League EDGE leaderboards →Speed, shot power, distance covered, time by zone: measured by chips in the puck and shoulder pads. 90th percentile = better than 90% of players.
- Hardest shot
- 126.8 km/h31st percentileleague avg. 130.1 km/h
- Top skating speed
- 36.0 km/h72nd percentileleague avg. 35.2 km/h
- Bursts over 20 mph, season
- 3177th percentileleague avg. 21
- Offensive zone time
- 44.5 %77th percentileleague avg. 43.1 %
See full detailsHide details
- Total distance, season
- 83.0 km90th percentileleague avg. 52.2 km
- Distance, single-game high
- 5.88 km89th percentileleague avg. 4.52 km
- Offensive zone at 5v5
- 42.6 %77th percentileleague avg. 42.4 %
- Neutral zone time
- 18.8 %83rd percentileleague avg. 16.8 %
- Defensive zone time
- 36.7 %83rd percentileleague avg. 40.1 %
Shooting
| Shots on goal | Goals | Shooting % | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | 4390th percentile | 581st percentile | 11.6 %42nd percentile |
| High danger | 1993rd percentile | 386th percentile | 15.8 %38th percentile |
| Mid range | 1793rd percentile | 288th percentile | 11.8 %49th percentile |
| Long range | 153rd percentile | 092nd percentile | 0.0 %87th percentile |
Shots on goal by zone
2026-2027 regular season. Measured by puck and player tracking chips; the percentile ranks the player within the league.
Game log, 2026-27
BOS
WSH
CHI
DET
WPG
PIT
OTT
SEA
VAN
CBJ
BUF
MIN
LAK
ANA
SJS
CARSam Bennett: frequently asked questions
How many goals does Sam Bennett have in 2026-27?
Sam Bennett has 5 goals and 8 points (3 assists) in 18 games in 2026-27.
How old is Sam Bennett?
Sam Bennett is 30 years old: he was born on June 20, 1996.
How tall is Sam Bennett, and how much does he weigh?
Sam Bennett is 6'1" (185 cm) and weighs 194 lb (88 kg).
Where is Sam Bennett from?
Canada: Sam Bennett was born in Holland Landing, Ontario, Canada.
What team does Sam Bennett play for?
Sam Bennett plays for the Florida Panthers in the NHL, at C, wearing number 9.
Is Sam Bennett injured?
No: Sam Bennett is not on the latest NHL injury report. This answer is updated throughout the season.
How good is Sam Bennett?
Sam Bennett produced 1.3 wins above replacement (WAR) in 2025-26, 123rd of 615 players at his position in the NHL. His PAL rating is 63 out of 100: above average for his position.
How much does Sam Bennett make?
Sam Bennett earns $8.0M for the 2025-26 season. His Value Rating is 42 out of 100 (poor return): it measures the on-field return for that salary, compared with players at his position.
When does Sam Bennett's contract end?
Sam Bennett's contract runs through the 2032-33 season; he will then be an unrestricted free agent. It includes a NMC / M-NTC clause.
Is Sam Bennett overpaid?
Yes, his output falls short of what his salary should buy. His Value rating is 42 out of 100 (poor return), where 50 is the output expected for his salary, compared with players at his position.
Is Sam Bennett a top-10 player at his position?
No: by WAR, he ranks 123rd of 615 players at his position in the NHL in 2025-26. Our comparison tool puts him side by side with any other player.
Is Sam Bennett getting better?
No, he is slipping: his PAL rating went from 75 in 2024-25 to 63 in 2025-26 (out of 100, 50 = average player at his position).
How has Sam Bennett played lately?
Over his last 10 games, Sam Bennett has 5 points (5 goals, 0 assists).
What are Sam Bennett's career stats?
Over his NHL career, Sam Bennett has 784 games, 193 goals, 209 assists and 402 points. His best season: 2025-26, with 58 points in 76 games.
Where was Sam Bennett drafted?
Sam Bennett was drafted 4th overall (round 1) by Calgary Flames in 2014.
Is Sam Bennett better at home or on the road?
At home: in 2026-27, he averages 0.67 points per game at home (4 in 6 games) and 0.33 on the road (4 in 12 games).
How does Sam Bennett perform in the playoffs?
In the playoffs, Sam Bennett has 107 games and 78 points in his career. His pace (0.73 points per game) is higher than his regular-season pace (0.51).
Which player is most similar to Sam Bennett?
Juraj Slafkovský: he is the player at his position whose PAL profile (the 0-to-100 dimensions) is closest to his in 2025-26.
Juraj Slafkovský's page →Is Sam Bennett a good fantasy pick?
A useful depth pick: our projection has him at 50 points in 2026-27, or 0.63 points per game.
What is Sam Bennett's nationality?
Sam Bennett is Canadian. Internationally: Canada — Olympic silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics; gold at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championship; gold at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
What awards has Sam Bennett won?
Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) — 2025 ; OHL Second All-Rookie Team — 2012–13 ; OHL Third All-Star Team — 2013–14 ; Rated the top North American prospect by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau — mid-season 2014 (and retained top spot in final 2014 ranking).
How many championships has Sam Bennett won?
3: Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers — 2024; Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers — 2025; Presidents' Trophy with the Florida Panthers — 2021–22 season.
Where did Sam Bennett play before turning pro?
Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) — drafted in 2012; played with Kingston from 2012 until his recall in 2015.
How many points is Sam Bennett projected to score in 2026-27?
Our projection has him at 50 points in 79 games in 2026-27 (29 to 71 points, 80% interval), based on his recent seasons, age and role.
See also: his Florida Panthers teammates
Full roster →
NHL.com ↗ · Stats and photos: NHL (NHL.com)