Florida Panthers

Insider Envisions Sign-and-Trade Scenario with Sam Bennett

NHL analyst and insider Nick Kypreos says the Florida Panthers are listening to offers on Sam Bennett, with a sign-and-trade possible.

by
Jim Parsons
December 12, 2024

In what might come as surprising news, the Florida Panthers are reportedly open to trade offers for one of their most physical and impactful players, Sam Bennett. While Bennett has been a crucial part of their Stanley Cup-winning roster, his expiring contract has created a potential dilemma for general manager Bill Zito. Because the Panthers don’t want to risk losing Bennett for no return, Zito is apparently open to trade conversations.

Kypreos writes: “…with an expiring contract, there’s a risk they’ll lose him for nothing next summer and that’s not so appealing to GM Bill Zito so from what I’m told, he’ll listen.”

With 13 goals and 26 points already this season, Bennett is the Panthers’ most physical player, making him a top target for teams seeking grit, with a serious ability to score goals.

Hang Onto Bennett for a Playoff Run or Recoup Assets?

With the risk of losing a player to free agency in the summer after a contract ends, every team that has a star in this situation has to make a tough decision. In this case, if Zito can’t get Bennett signed to a new deal, the Panthers are aware of the potential to lose Bennett and, with it, any chance to recoup serious assets that could be acquired in a trade.

It would be one thing if the Panthers fell out of a playoff spot by the trade deadline. But it’s not assumed that’s going to happen. They sit first in the Atlantic Division with 38 points. Kypreos adds, “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.”

He envisions a “sign-and-trade” scenario, where Bennett could be dealt to a team willing to pay a premium in return for a player who can immediately contribute to a championship push. Which team would do that isn’t clear. It would require a franchise feeling like Bennett is an upgrade over who they are giving away.

Florida is definitely still in the hunt for another Stanley Cup. This isn’t a deal that would include picks and prospects exclusively. The Panthers don’t just want future assets.

Teams like Colorado, with Gabriel Landeskog sidelined, and Dallas, with Tyler Seguin out for the season, could be major players in the Bennett sweepstakes. Still, this feels like a long shot.

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