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.

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett hit Anthony Stolarz goaltender of the Maple Leafs with an elbow as Toronto was ahead 3-1 in the second period.

Obviously never want to see an injury like that, but from my point of view, I’m just taking the puck to the net.’