Colby Guy
On Thursday night, Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett hit a career milestone many thought he would have hit years ago.
In his rookie season with the Calgary Flames, Bennett scored 18 goals and it was all but a given the fourth-overall pick of the 2014 NHL Draft would hit the 20-goal mark throughout his career.
It took a little longer than those folks would have though.
Yet in Florida’s 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, Bennett finally got No. 20 in just 34 games with the Panthers.
“It’s a cool milestone to hit,” Bennett said after scoring twice on Thursday — including the final goal of the night into an empty net.
“I’m playing with confidence right now and I’m playing with great players all year and getting a lot of opportunities.”
Bennett has gone a long way since he was traded to the Panthers from Calgary at the 2021 trade deadline.
During his career in Calgary, Bennett had 140 points (67 goals, 73 assists) in 407 games.
As a Panther, he is already on pace to shatter that total.
Since arriving in South Florida last April, Bennett has 26 goals and 43 points in 44 games.
His 20 goals lead the league-leading Panthers through their first 44 games of the season.
That included a run where he put up 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in his first 10 regular season contests as a Panther.
“It was a combination of a lot of things, but I found some chemistry pretty early with this team and my linemates,” Bennett said.
“I was given that opportunity to succeed and they were playing me a lot, putting me in a lot of pivotal situations, and then it was up to me to take advantage of it.”
It has been a similar story for him this season, as he has stepped up at times when the team has needed him to.
When Sasha Barkov missed 13 games in a 14 game span due to injury, Bennett served as the team’s first-line center.
He held the role down quite nicely, helping the Panthers to an 8-5-1 record in his absence.
“He is such an important part of our team,” Andrew Brunette said. “He was our top center for a while, filled that role. It’s fun to see him there and continue with his line.”
Bennett is currently seventh on the Panthers in points with 28 in 30 games this season.
One of those was a goal in his return to Calgary on Jan. 18.
When Bennett was asked how much he loved playing for the Panthers, he called it “an understatement.”
“I can’t even describe how much I enjoy playing hockey here,” Bennett said. “Being around this team and the city and playing in this building, it’s all great right now.
“I’m sure there’s gone be times where it gets tough, but right now, I’m enjoying it, I’m having fun, and I’m just trying to ride the wave right now.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my change of scenery for sure.”