Insider Reveals Sam Bennett's Projected Cap Hit Ahead of Free Agency
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Frank Seravalli believes Sam Bennett's contract hit is going to only be roughly $7.5M which is a great sign if the Maple Leafs are trying to sign him.
While the Maple Leafs decide which direction they want to go in next season, there is a lot of talk about potentially signing Sam Bennett this summer in order to instil some new life and a new play style into the lineup.
But there's concerns he might end up costing a bit, but according to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, he thinks it's going to be a pretty manageable deal:
Sam Bennett going to earn $7-7.5M per year: Frank Seravalli
Seravalli explained that he thinks while Bennett will be desired by many, he won't reach near the potential $10M a year contract:
In terms of the Bennett deal, I believe he will make more than the projected (AFP) numbers [6 x $6.4M] but nothing near to the extent of what might have been talked about. - Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff Live
That's huge news for any team who is looking to sign Bennett, and it seems that the hype surrounding his potential $10M deal was more just an overshot given his skillset and recent accolades.
So if he's going to only cost $7.5M, can Toronto still afford him and re-sign the right pieces?
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If that contract is only going to end up costing the Maple Leafs roughly $40M in order to bring in a potential two-time Cup winner with the playoff credentials the team desperately needs, and who fits seamlessly with Craig Berube's system, they better go all-in.
That doesn't mean overpaying necessarily, but it does mean giving Bennett some extra bonuses, or making sure that he doesn't need to worry about money; or those pesky taxes.
Clearly Bennett would be a massive improvement overall for the team, and while he wouldn't bring the same level of offense as Mitch Marner, he's as game changing as him in other aspects.
Though he's never hit over 60 points in a season, he does have 16 points in 17 playoff games this season, and has registered 45 points over the last three postseasons.
But it's his grittiness, nastiness and propensity to do whatever necessary to get the job done that is his big appeal, and Toronto can use him to terrorize others instead of being victimized.
Though they also need to make sure they have enough money for Matthew Knies and John Tavares, not to mention whoever else they may bring in via trades or more free agents.
But if Seravalli's words are to be believed, then the Maple Leafs are primed to be in a great position to sign him.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 2 | 505 ANSWERS Insider Reveals Sam Bennett's Projected Cap Hit Ahead of Free Agency Do you think the Maple Leafs will end up signing Sam Bennett? | ||
| Yes | 135 | 26.7 % |
| No | 370 | 73.3 % |
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