Sam Bennett has never been one to mince words—or actions—in the NHL. Often at the center of the storm, the Florida Panthers’ forward has always stayed true to himself, for better or worse. Now, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner has delivered a blunt message to a teammate in Sunrise.

Mackie Samoskevich is expected to take a big jump during the 2025-26 NHL season. The former first round pick in 2021 played a big role last season but was mostly healthy scratched in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now, the 22-year-old is determined to prove he belongs on the Panthers‘ lineup no matter the stakes.

Bennett knows just how productive Samoskevich can be on the ice, as the two were linemates through many stretches of the past campaign. However, the young talent is still a bit wet behind the ears, a

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