Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sam Bennett (ice hockey)

How Sam Bennett (ice hockey) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sam Bennett is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Florida Panthers in the NHL. He was drafted fourth overall by the Calgary Flames in 2014 after being ranked as the top North American prospect. Bennett debuted in the NHL during the 2014-15 season and solidified his role as a valuable player. He won the Stanley Cup with the Panthers in 2024.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Selected by Kingston Frontenacs

In 2012, Sam Bennett was selected ninth overall by the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection Draft. He then appeared in 40 games with the Frontenacs in 2012-13 and recorded 40 points.

2013: Won Gold at World U18 Championship

In 2013, Sam Bennett played for the Canadian under-18 national team in the 2013 World U18 Championship, recording three goals and four assists in seven games as Canada won the gold medal.

2013: Played for the Frontenacs

In the 2013-14 season, Sam Bennett returned to the Frontenacs. By mid-season he was among the OHL's scoring leaders, standing fourth with 66 points in 40 games.

2014: Drafted by Calgary Flames

In 2014, Sam Bennett was selected fourth overall by the Calgary Flames at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He then signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the club.

February 21, 2015: Reassigned to Kingston

On February 21, 2015, after recovering from a shoulder injury, Sam Bennett was medically cleared to play and was reassigned to Kingston. He scored 24 points in 11 regular season games.

2015: NHL Debut and First Playoff Goal

In 2015, Sam Bennett made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames. He recorded his first career point on his first shift and played in the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, scoring his first NHL goal on April 19 against the Vancouver Canucks.

January 13, 2016: Four Goals Against Florida Panthers

On January 13, 2016, Sam Bennett scored four goals against the Florida Panthers. He became the youngest player in Flames history to score a hat-trick, and the third-youngest in NHL history to score four goals in a game.

September 6, 2017: Signed Contract Extension with Flames

On September 6, 2017, Sam Bennett signed a two-year, $3.9 million contract extension with the Calgary Flames.

July 24, 2019: Re-signed with Flames

On July 24, 2019, Sam Bennett was re-signed to a two-year contract with the Calgary Flames.

April 12, 2021: Traded to Florida Panthers

On April 12, 2021, Sam Bennett, along with a sixth-round pick in 2022, was traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for draft rights to Emil Heineman and a second-round pick in 2022.

July 26, 2021: Signed Contract Extension with Panthers

On July 26, 2021, Sam Bennett signed a four-year, $17.6 million contract extension with the Florida Panthers.

October 16, 2021: Second Career Hat-Trick

On October 16, 2021, Sam Bennett scored his second career hat-trick in a 5-1 win over the New York Islanders. He scored another hat-trick two games after returning to the lineup from a previous absence, also adding an assist for a four point game against the Dallas Stars.

2022: Reunited with Matthew Tkachuk

In 2022, Sam Bennett was reunited with longtime Flames teammate Matthew Tkachuk after Jonathan Huberdeau was traded to the Flames.

March 20, 2023: Injury against Detroit Red Wings

On March 20, 2023, Sam Bennett suffered an injury against the Detroit Red Wings that held him out for the rest of the regular season, but he returned in Game 2 against the Boston Bruins, scoring a goal.

October 30, 2023: First Game of the Season and Re-Injury

On October 30, 2023, Sam Bennett played his first game of the season against the Bruins, but left the game after only eight minutes due to injury.

2024: Engagement to Zoe Zeleny

In 2024, Sam Bennett became engaged to his girlfriend Zoe Zeleny. They also founded Benny's Buddies, a charity that raises funds to pay for the adoption fees at the Humane Society.