Friedman: Bennett and Panthers open contract talks

[TS Quint]

Sure, have a ball. Bring em all up. No one knows what Zito will offer, so I’m not sure what you’re on about.

Guy adds a ton to the team, you’re either missing it, or plain don’t know.

Why do you keep replying to me when you'd don't want to talk about what I wrote?

 

[Dread Clawz]

Ok, thought he was cooked after the playoffs. Some Panthers fans say he sucks and some say he did ok. I think he's sound but nothing that special.

He's had a ton of injuries and isn't what he once was, but he's still able to be effective due to his smarts. Plus he plays well within our system, and complements some of Forsling 's deficiencies, although they aren't many. Specifically breaking up the opposition forecheck, because Forsling isn't the biggest guy.

 

[Fatass]

Reinhart just gave up likely several million to stay in Florida

The 8 years as opposed to 7 makes a big difference in total dollars bs AAV. Will Zito go right years on Bennett?

 

[Dread Clawz]

The 8 years as opposed to 7 makes a big difference in total dollars bs AAV. Will Zito go right years on Bennett?

I think he will, because he knows it'll be necessary. In year 4 or 5, Benny will likely be LTIR,'d anyway, so I don't see this as a huge concern, especially as I said with a rising cap. We are paying for the next 2-3 years, while most of our core is still in their late 20's/early 30's.

 

[Laus723]

Why do you keep replying to me when you'd don't want to talk about what I wrote?

I mean, you talked about points, injuries, and it being wild someone was going to pay him…where’s the disconnect for ya? He provides more than what your “points” are, as I said, you want to keep being obnoxious and acting like I didn’t directly address your “points” with my first response?

You then brought up other guys with similar stats and what they make, as though anyone knows what’s being discussed.

Again, where’s the issue?

 

[Mogo]

I’d prioritize him over Ekblad

Even if Ekblad said just give me the same AAV as I currently have, he is still overpaid.

Think he is gonna take a paycut?

You cant pay him more than Forsling

 

[TS Quint]

I mean, you talked about points, injuries, and it being wild someone was going to pay him…where’s the disconnect for ya? He provides more than what your “points” are, as I said, you want to keep being obnoxious and acting like I didn’t directly address your “points” with my first response?

You then brought up other guys with similar stats and what they make, as though anyone knows what’s being discussed.

Again, where’s the issue?

 

[Laus723]

View attachment 919129

Says the awkward guy.

 

[KrisLetAngry]

Far more likely the two sides decide to move on. Bennett is worth 50 million. Zero chance Zito offers anywhere close to that for a 3C.

He can play top 6 winger minutes or anchor the 3rd line with lots of special team minutes.

6.25 x 8 for Bennett would 100% be worth it.

6.25 x 8 v 8x7 - 50 v 56 million elsewhere. I can totally see a NMC all years with a partial NTC last year. 6.25 would be that sweet hesrt stomachable deal anywhere.

Reinhart just gave up likely several million to stay in Florida

Agreed. He could have went on the open market and got 11x7 100% then still signed a contract after for a 8th year.

 

[Fatass]

He can play top 6 winger minutes or anchor the 3rd line with lots of special team minutes.

6.25 x 8 for Bennett would 100% be worth it.

6.25 x 8 v 8x7 - 50 v 56 million elsewhere. I can totally see a NMC all years with a partial NTC last year. 6.25 would be that sweet hesrt stomachable deal anywhere.



Agreed. He could have went on the open market and got 11x7 100% then still signed a contract after for a 8th year.

8 year contract for Bennett? Yes, that will bring down his AAV but with Barkov and Lundell it’s unlikely Zito will allot that kind of money and term to Bennet.

 

[thomast]

Flames forced him to play wing. Panthers move him to center his natural position. Nuff said

So in your opinion it’s not worth of trying, because it didn’t work in the other team? I mean Huberdeau degraded from top 5 Hart trophy nominee to 2nd-3rd liner prior to this year just switching teams. Luostarinen is a natural C too. It’s all about maximizing potential from the roster, and for me it’s worth of trying. It might be total failure, but if there is slimmest chance it would work i don’t see reason not to try.

It might be unlikely to work, but every team want to try every possible combination, because these guys are probably playing 6 years together. Panthers have to evolve as a team to mantain position in the top. Now the current system is working, but we never know if the system is optimal for squeezing every drop of potential from the players without even trying. Players change and grow after all. There will be stretches when the lineup needs little bit of shaking. In these times team should absolutely try different combinations.

In your opinion teams should set their player positions in stone? Even if there is a point when lines struggles and force highly talented players to play bottom 6 minutes? I get it when it works it works and they just won a cup, but there will be a time when it needs to work better.

 

[KrisLetAngry]

8 year contract for Bennett? Yes, that will bring down his AAV but with Barkov and Lundell it’s unlikely Zito will allot that kind of money and term to Bennet.

I think you'd be surprised. Again Bennet can play wing.

 

[Pablo El Perro]

What? Lol. You know how hard it is to win a cup? I would’ve killed for just 1. The rest is gravy.

As a Panther fan since 93, one is much better than zero. Whining about not winning multiple cups just seems juvenile.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

I think you'd be surprised. Again Bennet can play wing.

Bennett is wasted on the wing.

Barkov - Bennett - Lundell center core allows you to run a legit top line with a 2A and 2B option for the middle 6.

That's the sort of center structure that wins cups.

It seems like the only people who think Florida should move on from Bennett are the ones that want him out of the way for Lundell. They're completely different players.

 

[ShootIt]

Years of shit center depth, I want Bennett to stay.

The core can be ass in 5 years. I don't care. They are competitive now. One thing if Florida had a blue chip ready center in the A, or minors. They don't.
Zito has made the roster in a win now mode in lieu of picks/prospects. It paid off.

Stamkos was 34 years old and had red flags about his 5v5 play due to his foot speed. Bennett is 6 years younger than Stamkos.
If Bennett was 32-33, sure maybe got to let him walk if he wanted a 6-8 year deal. But at 28-29 he's still got 3-4 years of good play in him before a possible drop due to his body breaking down. He can be physical, but it's not like he's laying people out/getting hit every game.

Barkov has been out due to a leg injury. The team hasn't fallen apart. Center depth is big.

 

[Mogo]

So in your opinion it’s not worth of trying, because it didn’t work in the other team? I mean Huberdeau degraded from top 5 Hart trophy nominee to 2nd-3rd liner prior to this year just switching teams. Luostarinen is a natural C too. It’s all about maximizing potential from the roster, and for me it’s worth of trying. It might be total failure, but if there is slimmest chance it would work i don’t see reason not to try.

It might be unlikely to work, but every team want to try every possible combination, because these guys are probably playing 6 years together. Panthers have to evolve as a team to mantain position in the top. Now the current system is working, but we never know if the system is optimal for squeezing every drop of potential from the players without even trying. Players change and grow after all. There will be stretches when the lineup needs little bit of shaking. In these times team should absolutely try different combinations.

In your opinion teams should set their player positions in stone? Even if there is a point when lines struggles and force highly talented players to play bottom 6 minutes? I get it when it works it works and they just won a cup, but there will be a time when it needs to work better.

Once Barkov returns I think we have 3 pairs + support

Vergaughe-Barkov-(Erod)
Tkachuk-Bennett-Samoskevic
(Luostarinen)-Lundell-Reinhart

Samoskevic on a short leash going back to AHL if he doesnt start to produce

I think J.Boqvist then takes that spot

As for experimenting Bennett on wing. Why? We got solid down the middle why mix it up

 

[TotalHomer]

Great teams are not only defined by their stars but by great depth. If Zito can get Bennett signed at around 6M x 8 you do it all day long, centers are too important and especially ones with his skill set.

As for experimenting Bennett on wing. Why? We got solid down the middle why mix it up

It makes no sense. The few times he did play on the wing early on with us he wasn't nearly as effective.

 

[KrisLetAngry]

Bennett is wasted on the wing.

Barkov - Bennett - Lundell center core allows you to run a legit top line with a 2A and 2B option for the middle 6.

That's the sort of center structure that wins cups.

It seems like the only people who think Florida should move on from Bennett are the ones that want him out of the way for Lundell. They're completely different players.

I'm fine with him at 3C. Just mentioning if needed he can play wing.

 

[Fatass]

I'm fine with him at 3C. Just mentioning if needed he can play wing.

50 million for a 3C, who will start his eight year deal at age 29? Your think Zito will do that?

 

[Laus723]

50 million for a 3C, who will start his eight year deal at age 29? Your think Zito will do that?

You’re calling him a 3C, he’s not 3C now and as I’ve said, Lundell has to move Bennett over (which means having great chemistry with Tkachuk) to have the 2C spot.

You’re also undermining center depth. I’ll continue to lean into Barkov being out and that we now have Lundell to move up instead of hoping our 3whomeverC does well.

Why wouldn’t Zito do that? They’re talking now. He’s signed multiple players to great deals that has other teams’ fans crying.

 

[Howboutthempanthers]

Is this good for the Panthers tho? Ekblad is cooked, Bennet is ok though.

Ekblad is not cooked.

 

[KrisLetAngry]

50 million for a 3C, who will start his eight year deal at age 29? Your think Zito will do that?

If Lundell takes him over.

Why not?

Again 3C with big special teams. Could be 5th to 7th on ice time forwards

Why wouldn't Zito have 3 strong Cs. GMs wet dream.

 

[Cats2TheCup]

No chance Bennett doesn’t sign with his beloved Florida. He’s made a lot of people cry in recent playoff series many a folk are upset about him.

The team is all sticking together and they’re all taking less to win.

Can’t wait to see which team hates Sam Bennet the most in the playoffs this season! He is scaring other teams the bald headed monster is an absolute wrecking ball and Panther legend.

Do you know how panthers get themselves going?

Sam Bennet and Tkachuk will just hit some dudes and cause a team scrum. Then everybody is energized. It’s panthers hockey and it starts with Sam.

 

[Bocephus86]

Florida's center depth with him is what every team dreams of. Keep him, earn that second team spot in my eyes even being a division 'rival'.

'Rival' because the Bruins have to win sometime to be an actual rival.

 

[elmaco]

Ekblad is not cooked.

Well lets say he's not worth his AAV anymore.