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.

Bennett - who led the NHL with 15 goals in this year's playoffs and became the first Panthers player ever to score that many in a single postseason - is staying with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.

Sam is a special player who has mastered a unique blend of skill and physicality in his game, becoming one of the most impactful postseason performers of his generation,” Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito said.