Toronto Maple Leafs analyst urges team to trade for hometown Stanley Cup champion
Photo credit: The Hockey News
Sam Bennett could be a valuable addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially amid his contract disputes with the Florida Panthers.
As seen on Hockey Patrol, Sam Bennett is a gritty and defensively responsible center who consistently delivers 15-20 goals and over 150 hits per season.
Sam Bennett could fit in on the Toronto Maple Leafs
His physical play and two-way skillset make him an ideal fit for Toronto's third line and could address a critical need for playoff success.
At 28 years old, Sam Bennett brings experience and a winning mentality by having played a key role in Florida's recent postseason runs last year.
Here's what Nick Kypreos had to say:
«So, 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.
Unless the Panthers decide to keep him as their «own rental» I would see this as a sign and trade scenario so the Panthers and Bennett can squeeze as much out of a deal as possible.
In return Florida would want a current player who can help them right away, and not just futures as they're still chasing another Stanley Cup.»
Unless the Panthers decide to keep him as their «own rental» I would see this as a sign and trade scenario so the Panthers and Bennett can squeeze as much out of a deal as possible.
In return Florida would want a current player who can help them right away, and not just futures as they're still chasing another Stanley Cup.»
To acquire him at the trade deadline, the Leafs would need to offer immediate value to the Florida Panthers who are their main rival in the Atlantic.
A package of Max Domi and Nick Robertson might be good for the Panthers, who are still in Stanley Cup contention.
Max Domi's offensive grit and Nick Robertson's potential provide the Panthers with current and future assets which are balancing out Bennett's $4.425 million cap hit.
Alternatively, the Leafs could wait until free agency to sign Bennett without giving up assets but this approach risks a bidding war and allows Florida to retain Sam Bennett for their playoff run.
Sam Bennett's next contract will likely be in the $7-8 million range which will require careful cap management from Toronto and moving Domi and Robertson could help create space.
If GM Brad Treliving pulls off this move, Toronto would gain a versatile, physical forward ready for playoff battles.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13 | 170 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs analyst urges team to trade for hometown Stanley Cup champion Do you think the Toronto Maple leafs should target Sam Bennett from the Florida Panthers? | ||
| Yes | 126 | 74.1 % |
| No | 44 | 25.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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