Panthers Exploring Moves For Sam Bennett, Edmonton Oilers Rivals Named as Prime Suitors

Just named to Team Canada, Oilers Captain Connor McDavid said he would love to play alongside his longtime friend and rival Sam Bennett.

Although McDavid and Bennett may play together for Team Canada, they may be facing up against each other frequently this season and in the playoffs. The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche have been named the two prime suitors to acquire Bennett, according to Sportsnet's trade bait list.

It's be shocking to see Florida move Bennett after playing such an integral role in the Stanley Cup win, but the best organizations like the Panthers make these ruthless value based trades without emotion - like moving Jonathan Huberdeau.

Bennett is currently on a bargain contract value of only $4.425M, and currently is scoring just below a point per game pace after being an integral piece of the Cup win.

With this level of play and resume, Bennett could be demanding far upwards of $8M in annual salary, and the Panthers may be unwilling to pay him that - and also lose him for nothing. A trade could be the only option.

Bennett was drafted by the Calgary Flames 4th overall back in 2014, and spent the first 7 seasons of his career pestering the Oilers from there before beating them in the Cup Final.

Despite being such a rival for the Oilers, Bennett is a player that would look unreal in the top six as a pure power forward.

Unfortunately Edmonton won't be involved in the trade talks at all, and instead will get their power forward in Evander Kane back soon.