The Colorado Avalanche have made waves over the last couple of weeks by completely overhauling their goaltending tandem.
Thus far, the moves have worked out. Scott Wedgewood looks like a man on a mission, while MacKenzie Blackwood made a great debut against the Nashville Predators, stopping 37 shots for his first win with Colorado.
However, the Avalanche don’t appear to be done adding to the lineup. During a recent post, TSN analyst Nick Kypreos published a list of players likely to be traded by this year’s trade deadline. Among the names included on the list is Florida Panthers' impending free agent Sam Bennett.
Bennett is a top-six scoring winger who could add significant value to any team. However, he will hit the market this upcoming summer and there’s no guarantee he’ll stay in Florida.
So, Kypreos included Bennett on his trade watchlist. What makes this rumor interesting is that Kypreos directly named the Colorado Avalanche as a team potentially landing the coveted scoring winger.
Kypreos’ rationale is based on the fact that it’s becoming likelier that Gabe Landeskog won’t be back this season. That situation leads to two reasons why the Avs would be interested in Bennett.
First, the Avs would need another top-six, scoring winger. Second, the Avs could utilize the cap space available given Landeskog’s placement on LTIR.
While this idea is nothing more than a rumor at this point, Kypreos may be on to something.
Adding Bennett wouldn’t be the craziest idea in the world for Colorado Avalanche
Adding Sam Bennett would certainly give the Avs plenty of flexibility. He could suit on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, or hang on the second line with Casey Mittelstadt and Val Nichushkin.
When looking at the potential line combinations, the Colorado Avalanche could deploy two highly skilled scoring lines. That situation would make it tough for opposing coaches to counter with effective matchups.
But perhaps the broader issue is, “What would it take to get Bennett in an Avalanche jersey?”
Judging from recent trades, the market isn’t exactly primed for teams to ask for an arm and a leg for pending free agents. The Jacob Trouba trade is an indication that teams desperate to move players will take just about anything.
While Trouba isn’t an impending free agent, and the New York Rangers were desperate to trade him, the fact of the matter is that the Panthers will be content with getting anything back for Bennett.
In my estimation, it seems that Bennett could fetch a second-round pick and a mid-level prospect. Unless the Panthers want a roster player to take over for Bennett, the fact is that the Panthers are looking to cut their losses.
Ultimately, this rumor seems nothing more than just that, a rumor. But it’s interesting to hear the rumblings. The Avs could well be looking to add someone who could push the team over the top, especially if injuries continue to be an issue this season.