Following up on a report yesterday that the Calgary Flames were “blindsided” by rumors of forward Sam Bennett’s discontent with his current situation, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported during this evening’s edition of “Insider Trading” that the club is in no rush to trade the young forward. Of course, Bennett has not formally requested a trade anyhow and the Flames are not feeling any pressure to rush into a move. Instead, Dreger states that this is a matter of “if” rather than “when” as it pertains to a Bennett deal. Calgary will only trade Bennett, the 2014 fourth overall pick, if they can find a perfect fit. Otherwise, they expect to retain the forward. Dreger notes than many within the organization still feel that Bennett can be an impact player and would rather work through the issues of his role on the team rather than move him, especially at discount price. One way or another, the time is coming for the Flames to make a decision on Bennett; if he is not traded this season then the team will need to fully commit by protecting him in the upcoming Expansion Draft. If not, they risk a strong chance of losing him for nothing to the soon-to-be division rival Seattle Kraken.
- While he may have cleared waivers on Monday, and amidst some ugly rumors at that, there is no shortage of interest in New York Rangers defenseman Tony DeAngelo. While he may not play for the Rangers ever again, per the team’s own pronouncement, he most certainly will continue to play in the NHL. Dreger reports that there is “a ton of interest” in DeAngelo on the trade market. He feels that a resolution to his fall out with the Rangers is imminent, expecting a trade within the next few days. DeAngelo’s ability, especially in the offensive aspects of the game, are clear, but some felt that his clearance on the waiver wire might have indicated that teams were hesitant to take on the alleged behavioral issues. Instead, it seems teams were more inclined to DeAngelo clear waivers to gain that extra layer of flexibility, as well as to gain the possibility of receiving additional trade capital or possibly some retained salary in a trade with the Rangers.
- Most NHL teams prepared for an unusually dense schedule this season by ensuring that they had a concrete goalie tandem and in many cases additional depth in net. However, for those with remaining concerns or those who have been impacted by injury, the need for multiple options at net minder is about to become even more crucial. Dreger reports that with the growing frequency of COVID-related postponements across the league, the NHL is going to have little option but to hand a number of teams very difficult make-up schedules toward the latter half of the season. Specifically, Dreger notes that there is a real chance that teams will face five games in a seven night span, perhaps even on several occasions. A capable No. 2 and a reliable No. 3 in case of injury will be absolutely necessary with no starter being able to handle such a heavy workload. With few options remaining on the free agent market, trade talks will likely heat up for those contending teams who need the wins more than others with goalies to spare.
If the Rangers have to pony up anything other than retaining salary, then they should just bury his ass in the AHL and buy him out after the season.
I thought it was pretty clear that the sole reason he wasn’t taken on waivers was due to cap issues. Only Ottawa, NJ, LA, SJ, Nashville, and Detroit have space for him, but need that space for future re-signings.
Dreger will report anything he’s told to report.
No one wanted him for free on waivers, but sure there’s a robust trade market for him.
There’s a “ton of interest” in seeing how much the Rangers are willing to pay to have their trash hauled away before it rots and stinks up the place.
Your not following along here. If a team picked him off waivers they are taking the entire 10 million! Why would they do that when only a handful of teams can afford the contract and can use it as leverage. For the haters out there that can’t stand the kid based and we’re saying nobody wants him because he is a locker room cancer you were all wrong. In fact many of his teammates are sad this is happening to him even Kandre Miller who we find out is closer with him then we knew snd the coach who was texting him throughout the day yesterday. Sounds like this had more to do with upper management like Gorton.
My “not following along here”. K.
If a team picked him up, yes, they’d be responsible for his contract. That’s how it works. And NO ONE wanted him. For free.
Teams are interested because they think they can get the Rangers to pony up a premium to take him off their hands.
And you are right. Clearly, his teammates loved him. Especially the guy who punched him in the face.
Spot on.
@ballz – are you for real? Rangers did the right thing.
Bingo!
You said nobody wants him for free? You still are not getting this but I’ll explain as if you were a child which I’m wondering now based on your comments if you are. 1. Only a handful of teams can afford the cap hit he brings right now. 2. That handful choose not to claim him off waivers for smart reasons because if they did they would have to claim the entire contract. 3. Now those teams have leverage so they can make a deal for him which in fact as this article states there is interest. 4. The Rangers will most definitely have to pay a portion of the cap to make a deal happen. Nothing is for free pal and interested teams hold the leverage but I don’t expect the rangers to pay the entire contract and allow him to play on another team. Lol. You were obviously wrong so be a man and just admit it.