Speculation: Lundell time?

[FinlandPanther]

Anyone think that Bennett’s time is up due to Lundell being ready to take the next step? He has quietly put up 31 points in 48 games on the third line. I think that’s the reason Bennett is expendable this next season. To be fair I also think Bennett’s next contract was gonna be ass in a couple of years even though I’ll miss his style.

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[barkovcanfinnish]

I think the time to give Lundell the 2C role is upon us.

Even if it’s a test run, Bennett has been really struggling offensively. Maybe he needs his load lessened

 

[austropanther]

The thing is that Bennett still manages to create tons of chances (no stats to back this up, but you just have to watch him play. He often finds a way to cruise through the middle of the ice and he still does have a good shot).

Furthermore we need PO Bennett. The PO performance most likely will be the measuring stick for his contract, not his regular season play

 

[KW]

Yes, Lundell 2C next year, Bennett 3C, reasonable contract, with him promising to cut stupid offensive penalties, and we’re good.

 

[iam76]

The thing is that Bennett still manages to create tons of chances (no stats to back this up, but you just have to watch him play. He often finds a way to cruise through the middle of the ice and he still does have a good shot).

Furthermore we need PO Bennett. The PO performance most likely will be the measuring stick for his contract, not his regular season play

We have no replacement for bennett yet the next few years. .. during our window

 

[jaa]

We have no replacement for bennett yet the next few years. .. during our window

Would it be possible to play 2nd and 3rd line with close to equal icetime? Depth really helps, would even out the load on bennett and pressure on lundell. Win-win.

This would mean that bennet is ready to take lower play than what he would get in the open market. 6,5milx5y ?

 

[Sticksandsun]

Would it be possible to play 2nd and 3rd line with close to equal icetime? Depth really helps, would even out the load on bennett and pressure on lundell. Win-win.

This would mean that bennet is ready to take lower play than what he would get in the open market. 6,5milx5y ?

Bennett will want at least 6-7 years, this is his big retirement contract.
I could see:

6 years x 6.5 million
7 years x $6 million

By year 4 or 5 of those deals, the cap will be up over $100 million anyhow.
Our Cup window is the next 4 or 5 years so who cares about the last year or two when we're likely retooling or rebuilding.

 

[kerrabria]

We have no replacement for bennett yet the next few years. .. during our window

I don't want Bennett gone, but we very much have options.
Lundell is promoted to 2C. Luostarinen slides to 3C. If that doesn't look right, then Rodrigues can play center too. Maybe Reinhart gets a look for the first time since becoming an elite player.

Once Lundell got that contract, I just kind of assumed that was the plan. Zito had no qualms about letting Weegar go and promoting Forsling to 2D and Montour to 3D. Similar thing this year with promoting Mikkola up the lineup and signing bottom pair guys instead of seeking a Montour replacement.