“Eight more years! Eight more years!” screamed the crowd inside the packed E11even nightclub in Miami. On the stage stood none other than the 2025 Conn Smythe Winner, Sam Bennett, who instructed the crowd to quiet down. Then came the mic drop moment as Matthew Tkachuk watched Sam Bennett say, “I ain’t f***ing leaving,” sending the crowd into a frenzy. And guess what? Just days later, Bennett made good on his promise.

The Associated Press’s Tim Reynolds first reported on the Florida Panthers, and Bennet agreed to exactly what the fans demanded. The NHL forward who led the playoffs with 15 goals agreed to sign an 8-year, $64 million ($8 million AAV) contract extension with Florida on Friday. And now, with the first step done, Bennett’s teammate, the team’s alternate, has a simple request.

Matthew Tkachuk took to Instagram to post a story featuring Bennett with a four-word caption. “More of this, please!” wrote the 27-year-old, tagging the Cats’ forward on a snapshot of the two mates from the Panthers’ locker room celebration right after winning their second straight Stanley Cup. The picture captured a moment of pure joy between the two victors.

Tkachuk stood on a table, chugging champagne and holding a cigar in one hand, while Bennet stood beside him wearing a pair of ski goggles. Both hockey stars’ jerseys, drenched in champagne. It was a moment of pure celebration, so no wonder Tkachuk wants to recreate such memories every year as the Cats evolve into an NHL dynasty. And this isn’t the first time.

via Imago

Matthew Tkachuk also expressed his desire for the Cats to keep defending the title indefinitely. “I can get used to this,” Tkachuk said during the team’s victory parade at Fort Lauderdale, hinting he’d like to be part of the same celebration each year. Yet, celebrations and fun times aside, the Cats still need to retain two other pieces to their Stanley Cup success.

One down, two to go for Matthew Tkachuk & Co.

Sam Bennett’s $64 million locks their most scoring forward from the 2025 NHL playoffs for the Panthers. “Sam is a special player who has mastered a unique blend of skill and physicality in his game, becoming one of the most impactful post-season performers of his generation,” GM Bill Zito told the press after retaining the forward.

Unfortunately, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad’s futures with the Cats hang in the balance. Ekblad was a crucial part of the Panthers’ defensive line, who helped shut down the Oilers’ powerhouse players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk’s offensive linemate Brad Marchand became what many fans and experts are calling the greatest deadline transfer in NHL history.

via Imago

With 10 goals and 10 assists, Marchand kept the Panthers alive in crucial situations. However, after spending $8 million (AAV) of their $19 million yearly cap on Bennett, the Cats still need to find a way to offer hikes to both Marchand and Ekblad. While Brad Marchand has repeatedly hinted that he’s on the verge of signing a four-year contract extension, the deal is yet to materialize.

Then comes Aaron Ekblad. Thankfully, Bill Zito is still positive about retaining both of his hockey stars. “We have a Plan B and a Plan C. But my preference, and maybe I’m hoping, is that there’s enough for guys to want to stay and be part of this, be treated fairly and be happy. And that’s the most important thing,” Zito said as per NHL.com. Then again, it’s as they say: It’s not done till it’s done.