Calgary Flames Finally Sign Bennett

Okay, hands up if you expected Sam Bennett’s contract to take as long as it did. I don’t think anyone expected this but with rumors of him and the Flames being far apart only days ago, we’ll take it.

Bennett signed a two year deal worth $3.9 million with an annual cap hit of $1.95 million. This is a solid deal for both sides because it leaves the Flames with open cap space, but also gives Bennett a decent raise despite a down year last season.

It is certainly a “prove yourself” contract but also has the capability to become a very team-friendly contract if Bennett can build on the glimpses of greatness we saw over the last two seasons. If he can even get up to 50 points, it would be a steal and even higher could make things even greater.

Bennett has sky high potential and the Flames bought two more years of hoping Bennett starts to hit it. After all he’s only 21.

The Flames are now set with a lineup of 12 forwards and 6 defensemen according to Capfriendly. When Brett Kulak is included along with the new Bennett deal, Calgary has $4.56 million left in cap space for two forward spots. Whether they use that space now or save it for the trade deadline remains to be seen.

by Michael MacGillivray