5 Years Later, This Flames-Panthers Trade Looks Like an All-Time Heist

Five years ago, a trade between the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers barely made waves throughout the hockey community. Looking at it now, that trade seems to be one of the most lopsided steals in modern hockey history.

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The Breakout in Florida

In Calgary, Sam Bennett, the fourth-overall pick, ended his tenure with a quiet twelve points in 38 games during the 2020-21 season. Things hadn’t gone the way either the Flames or the forward wanted.

“Obviously, my career hasn’t gone the way I expected, and I think I have a lot more to prove and I have a lot more to give,” Bennett said at the time of the deal. “I’m thankful for the opportunity and I love playing in Calgary and loved all that. But now I’ve got a new fresh start and a fresh opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

The move to Florida clearly helped flip a switch. He didn’t just improve; he became part of the engine for a championship roster. His transformation was capped off by a historic 2025 postseason where he scored fifteen goals and became the first Panther to ever win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Winning the “Heist”

The numbers tell a story of a franchise player found for a bargain. While Calgary received prospect Emil Heineman and a second round pick—assets that eventually shuffled through a trade tree to land Yegor Sharangovich—Florida secured a cornerstone. It was not the only time the Panthers had gotten the better of a deal with Calgary. The Matthew Tkachuk trade remains one of the most unexpected deals of all time. On the surface, it looked solid, but the Flames’ acquisitions of Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar struggled while the Panthers won two Cups.

The less-talked-about trade in Bennett made a lot of that possible. He became an integral piece of their playoff pushes and helped solidify his legacy with the Panthers. He wound up signing an eight-year, $64 million contract, ensuring he remains a major part of the powerhouse Florida Panthers for years to come.

The Team Canada Controversy

Even with two Stanley Cup rings and a Conn Smythe trophy, Bennett’s path hasn’t been without its snubs. His recent exclusion from the 2026 Team Canada Olympic roster shocked many fans, especially after his “team first” contributions to Team Canada’s chase for the 4 Nations Face-Off championship.

The Winter Olympics omission has sparked heavy discussion among analysts. Writing for The Hockey Writers, it’s been argued that, given his big-game resume, Bennett’s snub is “borderline criminal”. It’s a decision Team Canada may very well regret if they find themselves needing another “team first” contributor who can also score goals at a high pace, for example, 15 goals in a single spring.

For now, as we simply look back at the Flames-Panthers trade five years later, the trade’s legacy is set: Calgary got pieces, but Florida got a legend.

Next: Pure Chemistry and Greatness: The Toews-Kane Legacy in Chicago