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.

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.

Selected by the Calgary Flames with the No. 4 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Bennett has 336 points (162 goals, 174 assists) in 691 regular-season games for the Flames and Panthers, and 78 points (40 goals, 38 assists) in 107 playoff games.