Panthers Exploring Moves For Sam Bennett, Edmonton Oilers Rivals Named as Prime Suitors
The Florida Panthers run their team like a ruthless business, and a year after winning the Stanley Cup, they may be exploring a trade deadline deal for star Sam Bennett.
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.
»Colorado would lead the charge with the void of Gabriel Landeskog out of the lineup, and with Tyler Seguin done for the season Dallas also has a major opening in the roster for someone like Bennett.»
- Sportsnet
- Sportsnet
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.
Florida Panthers exploring trades for Sam Bennett after Contract Stalemate
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.
»It seems there's more than a 50-50 chance Bennett could be traded this season if they don't close the negotiation gap, which sits today as wide as a football field.»
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.
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