Flames forward Sam Bennett was on the fourth line to start the season which has already fueled some speculation that he could become a trade candidate fairly quickly. However, despite his struggles the last couple of years and limited role to start the season, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman suggested in an appearance on Sportsnet 960 (audio link) that Calgary’s asking price for the 22-year-old would be quite high given his age (22) and draft pedigree as fourth-overall pick in 2014. Bennett is in the final year of his deal that carries a $1.95MM cap hit which makes him a non-tender candidate in the summer if he doesn’t improve. Accordingly, it will be interesting to see if GM Brad Treliving will eventually lower the price or decide to move him for a player in a similar situation.
Elsewhere out West:
- Still with Calgary, the Flames announced that they have recalled winger Anthony Peluso from Stockton of the AHL. The 29-year-old is in his first season with them after spending last season in Washington’s organization. Peluso is best known for his pugilistic skills and has 213 penalty minutes in 144 NHL games with another 416 in 240 AHL contests. He’s not expected to play tonight against Vancouver.
- Despite being acquired on Monday, Blues defenseman Jakub Jerabek is still not on their active roster. It turns out that he is still looking to secure his work visa before he can actually join the team, reports Postmedia’s Jim Matheson. St. Louis will have to make a roster move before they can activate him which will probably now be sometime next week. Vince Dunn is their only waiver-exempt blueliner but it’s unlikely that they will want to take him out of their top-six.
- Canucks winger Antoine Roussel participated in practice for the first time since sustaining a concussion during offseason training, notes Postmedia’s Patrick Johnston. While there is still no firm timetable for his return, he is with the team for their six-game road trip which suggests he may get the green light at some point in that stretch. As Vancouver is at the maximum-sized roster, they’ll have to free up a spot before they can take him off injured reserve.
Sam Bennett is as big of a bust as Nail yakupov and the flames will be lucky to get a 2nd for him.
Vegas should offer Griffin Rhinehart for him.
Pretty sure Calgary is OK on defense and dont need Griffin. They suffered thru one failed Reinhart already, no need for another.
It was a bad jab at sarcasm on then internet.