Bold Prediction Links Intriguing Team to Sam Bennett in Free Agency

The Florida Panthers have some work to do in attempting to defend their Stanley Cup title this coming spring. With the additions of Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, the dye has been cast as to what their team will look like come playoff time. (Once they get their suspended blueliner Aaron Ekblad back, that is, along with Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk, both on IR.)

But once the offseason rolls around, they've got a huge contract situation to take care of, that of pending unrestricted free agent Sam Bennett. The 28-year-old two-way force will be looking for a huge raise from his $4.425M AAV, and based on his impressive offensive improvement over the last few years to go along with his 200-foot game and his playoff impact, he'll deserve it.

On top of that, with Mikko Rantanen now signed long-term in Dallas, Bennett will be second only to Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs in sought-after UFAs come July 1 (IF the Panthers and/or Leafs let it get that far).

Allan Mitchell writes in The Athletic that he could see the Edmonton Oilers trying to hit a "free agent home run" in signing Bennett.

His range of skills and rugged style make him a perfect fit for the Oilers. He will be 29 on June 20, meaning a long-term deal holds risk.
Bennett is a unique player with pristine scoring and outscoring numbers.
Not every free agent is worth the investment. He’s a very good free-agent bet.

Bennett is the type of player that would contrast perfectly with the dynamic scoring duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He could the final piece to push the Oilers over the top.

As noted by Sportsnet's Michael Amato recently, "Bennett has more than proven he’s a critical component that excels in big games, both at (the) 4 Nations Face-Off and the Stanley Cup playoffs. His style of play is built for the post-season and he was a huge difference-maker for the Panthers going to back-to-back finals and winning it all last year."

An 11-year veteran, and former 4th overall pick in 2014, Bennett has already reached the 20-goal club this season, his third time in the last four years, to go with 129 hits and 71 penalty minutes.

Yes, the Oilers have another big contract to negotiate this summer, as Connor McDavid is eligible for an extension, but going all-out on adding Bennett if he's available, would be a bold move, indeed.