Will The Panthers Hold Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad
One of many large trades earlier than the NHL Commerce Deadline was the Florida Panthers buying defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks. The Panthers wanted to strengthen the precise facet of their blue line, and considered one of their objectives was to seek out one other right-handed defenseman to go along with Aaron Ekblad.
No one knew that Ekblad would be suspended for 20 games (the ultimate 18 regular-season video games and the primary two playoff video games) a few days after the deadline handed. So, it made sense the Panthers acquired him earlier than the deadline. Many thought Jones would finally be Ekblad’s substitute.
Bear in mind Ekblad has been in commerce rumors relationship again to final summer season after the Panthers received the Stanley Cup. So there was all the time a possible the Panthers would lose one other defenseman from the cup-winning staff. Florida already misplaced Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
NHL Rumors: Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad Could Should Take Much less if They Need to Keep
Nevertheless, the Panthers would possibly nonetheless maintain Ekblad and probably Sam Bennett, too, even with the added wage to their books.
Florida Panthers Common Supervisor Invoice Zito was on SiriusXM NHL Community Radio with Gord Stellick and Scott Laughlin earlier than the NHL Commerce Deadline and was requested about what the Seth Jones commerce meant for him signing Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett long-term.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
Gord Stellick: “The opposite match, in fact, is the wage cap. And the moment response was, Oh, my God, that’s a giant chunk. However you have a look at it, it’s mitigated by what Chicago goes to retain. Spencer Knight was making $4.5 million, however nonetheless about becoming in, whether or not it’s Sam Bennett and or Aaron Ekblad on the finish of the 12 months. Is there a consolation degree that you simply’re going to have the ability to do this for one or each?”
Invoice Zito: “Sure, sure, and I don’t assume this, no less than from, from my math, which is, you guys can think about, I’ve finished too many occasions. I’m going to finish up with an answer to pi fairly quickly. I’ve finished it a lot. It doesn’t affect these two, so we are able to get it finished.”
Scott Laughlin: “So that you wouldn’t count on them to check the market arising July 1th?”
Zito: “No, however I’m not likely going to speak about that, however the acquisition doesn’t preclude us from both one or each.”
NHL Rumors: May Brad Marchand Stick with the Florida Panthers?
Sam Bennett Talks Resuming
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet on Saturday Headlines gave a fast replace on Sam Bennett’s contract negotiation with the Florida Panthers.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
Ron MacLean: “All proper, Sam Bennett, what’s up?”
Elliotte Friedman: “Yeah. So there’s not loads of enterprise that usually occurs at this level of 12 months. Issues actually do relax. However Sam Bennett, because it stands proper now, can be one of many largest free brokers out there on July 1st, if he will get there.
And I don’t need to handicap this, however the phrase within the press field Thursday evening as Florida performed in Toronto was the talks have resumed between Bennett and the Panthers. Once more, I don’t need to handicap it. I don’t need to say come what may, however they’re making an attempt, and it’s been an excellent marriage between participant and staff.”
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