Sam Bennett surged to the top of the NHL spotlight, notching 15 goals. It is the most of anyone this postseason while tallying seven assists over 22 playoff games. This scoring punch, combined with energetic forecheck and grit, earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy. Who is the playoff MVP on June 17?
Physical Plus: Hits, Crease Chaos & Momentum
Bennett wasn’t just lighting the lamp—he was grinding opponents with punishing hits. In Game 3 of the Finals, he flattened Vasily Podkolzin, then swooped in to score seconds later—a moment teammates call “immensely ferocious”
He registered 103 hits, consistently crashing the crease to disrupt puck handling and distract goalies like Stuart Skinner
A True 200-Foot Game: Winning All Areas
Beyond goals and hits, Bennett excelled in venues that don’t show up on the highlight reel: the defensive zone and on faceoffs. Tracking 22 points across playoffs, he played five minutes per game in heavy minutes, dominated draws, and remained a constant threat on the forecheck
Coach & Teammates: Spotlighting the MVP
Seth Jones applauded Bennett’s “complete game”—scoring, hitting, defending, and face-off control.
Head Coach Paul Maurice praised his rare blend of physicality, pace, and finishing skills.
Jonah Gadjovich highlighted his leadership, saying Bennett delivered “on hits, goals, and leading by example”
Free Agency on the Horizon
At 28, Bennett is poised for a lucrative free agency. His Conn Smythe honour is perfect leverage. Maurice jokingly warned about cap limits, but Bennett remained laser-focused on the Cup, stating, “Competing for a Stanley Cup has always been my goal and my passion…”
Final Take: Grit Meets Greatness
Sam Bennett’s style this spring — hard-nosed physicality, playoff scoring, and all-zone effectiveness — painted the picture of a player whose value extends far beyond goals. His 15-goal tally and MVP performance weren’t a product of chance; it was a statement of all-around dominance. Bennett didn’t just play; he imposed a brand of tough, smart, electric hockey that carried Florida to a repeat championship. That’s MVP-level performance.
