NHL Insider Makes Shocking Prediction on Panthers Star Sam Bennett's Future With the Team
NHL analyst Nick Kypreos believes the Florida Panthers will be shopping Sam Bennett at the trade deadline this year.
The Panthers forward is currently having a career year, which is concerning for the club considering it is the last year of his contract.
Sam Bennett currently makes 4.425 million dollars against the cap.
Given the way he is playing, that could mean he is in line for a raise this summer. One that the Panthers might not be able to afford.
As a result, NHL analyst Nick Kypreos believes there is a greater than 50% chance the Panthers try to trade Sam Bennett at the deadline in a deal that would bring in another quality player.
Through 28 games, he has 13 goals and 26 points, on pace for just under 80 points and 40 goals, both of which would blow away his previous career highs.
Those came in the 2021-22 season where he potted 28 goals and added 21 helpers for 49 points in 71 games.
His start to the season has been so good, that he even secured a spot on Team Canada's roster for the upcoming four-nations tournament.
Kypreos suggested a one-for-one deal for former Panthers forward Mason Marchment of the Dallas Stars.
Marchment has a very similar stat line through 26 games this year with 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points.
Like Bennett, he is well on pace for a career year. His previous best came last season when he scored 22 goals and 53 points in 81 games for the Stars.
Considering the fact that both players are having career seasons, it would seem rather insane that they would get traded for each other.
That being said, the move would certainly bring a lot of attention to the NHL for two teams in non-traditional markets.
