Bennett: Marchand 'biggest dawg I have ever played with'

Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett believes teammate Brad Marchand is one of the biggest reasons the Florida Panthers won their second straight Stanley Cup.

"That is the biggest dawg I have ever played with," Bennett told Sportsnet postgame Tuesday. "He's f-----g incredible. ... The best leader. He leads by example, he speaks up, he's fearless out there. I've been telling him these whole playoffs, 'We're following you.' And we followed him these whole playoffs."

The Panthers acquired Marchand for a conditional 2027 second-round pick at the trade deadline after he had spent his whole career with the Boston Bruins. The 37-year-old delivered, notching 10 goals and 10 assists through the team's playoff run, including six goals against the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. He's the first player in over 100 years to score more than five goals on the road in a Final.

This is Marchand's second Stanley Cup, winning his first in 2011 with the Bruins. His 14-year wait between cups is tied for the third longest for any player. The winger also made two other Cup Finals.

"I truly don't think we win a Stanley Cup without him," Bennett said, adding, "He for sure could've won (playoff MVP). He's a better player and person than I ever knew, and I'm grateful I got to play with him."

Marchand will be a free agent with his eight-year, $49-million contract expiring at the end of the season.