Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett exits with upper-body injury amid growing concerns

The Florida Panthers’ injury troubles deepened again Monday night as forward Sam Bennett was forced to leave early with an upper-body issue, adding another blow to a roster already missing several key names. The timing couldn’t be worse for a team trying to stabilize its season and stay within reach of the Eastern Conference playoff race.Bennett’s exit also added to the growing sense of urgency around Florida’s lineup health, with the Panthers now dealing with multiple absences across their forward group. With little margin for error left in the schedule, every missing contributor carries a heavier weight.Sam Bennett was ruled out after the first period and did not return to the Florida Panthers bench for the start of the second. The club later confirmed the forward had suffered an upper-body injury, though it remained unclear when the issue occurred or what play may have caused it.The 29-year-old logged only 5:11 of ice time before leaving, finishing with a minus-1 rating and winning two faceoffs. Following the game, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice did not provide a timeline or additional details regarding Bennett’s status.Bennett has been one of Florida’s most productive forwards this season, recording 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points through 54 games. His potential absence would be a major setback for a team already operating shorthanded. Along with multiple regular forwards missing time.Florida entered the night already missing several notable contributors, and Bennett’s departure only stretched the team further. The Panthers have now seen their injury list grow at a critical stage of the season, when consistent line combinations and depth scoring become essential.With the schedule tightening and the standings race intensifying. And the Panthers may soon be forced to lean even more heavily on their remaining top forwards and depth options. All until more players return to the lineup.