During Game 2 of the 2023 second round, Bennett and Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies got tangled up before Bennett slammed the Toronto rookie to the ice, causing a concussion. Knies finished the period but would not play in the remainder of the best-of-7 series, which the Panthers won in five games.

Panthers forward Sam Bennett will reportedly not be disciplined for his hit to Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz’s head. Stolarz was reportedly taken to the hospital after throwing up on the