Maple Leafs Could Land Stanley Cup Champion And Hometown Star After Latest Contract Dispute
The Toronto Maple Leafs could add a big time scoring option to their lineup amidst contract disputes with his current team; a big division rival.
Always looking to add scoring and defense, especially to his third line, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has a wealth of options available ranging from expensive to frugal.
However, he might be able to bring in a hometown player who not only would make a massive impact for the team, but also handicap one of their biggest division rivals.
Maple Leafs analyst Nick Kypreos believes that Florida Panthers star Sam Bennett is having contract negotiation issues with his current team and they may be looking to trade him at the deadline:
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.»
Could Sam Bennett Be The Answer To Toronto's Problems?
If he isn't the exact answer, he's pretty close. The former Calgary Flames 4th overall pick in 2014, Bennett offers the type of player Toronto desperately needs for success now and in the future.
A defensively sound center who can potentially add anywhere from 15-20 goals per season in addition to averaging over 150 hits for his career.
Still only 28 years old, Bennett brings not only a veteran presence with great credentials, but is a proven winner. He has 26 points in 28 games this season, to bring his career total to 311 point in 643 games thus far.
He would find instant chemistry with a lot of his potential teammates as well, with Bennett coming to Toronto he would join Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Steven Lorentz and Anthony Stolarz as former Panthers who joined the blue and white this year.
The only question is the cost, as Bennett is going to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and will no doubt command at least $7-8M per season for his next deal.
Toronto would have to get rid of a player that Florida would want right away, and while they may not want to help their division rivals.
Perhaps dangling Max Domi and Nick Robertson might be enough to let them part with Bennett, and the Maple Leafs need to get rid of them too.
Toronto could also wait until Bennett is a free agent, and they wouldn't have to give up assets and only get Bennett for less than half a season but it depends how desperate the Maple Leafs get.
Either way you slice it, Sam Bennett coming to Toronto would be an incredible coup for Brad Treliving and company.
Bennett knows it too, and has endeared himself already to Toronto fans who love to hate him, but want him on their team without question.
