Calgary Flames forward Sam Bennett, a hot name in NHL trade talks, could fit perfectly on the New York Islanders.

Bennett and his agent never explicitly requested to be moved, but a trade may be the optimal option for both the player and the team. Bennett was drafted fourth overall by the Flames in the 2014 NHL Draft. Since then, Bennett has accumulated 129 points in five NHL seasons, which includes his 36-point rookie campaign in 2015-2016. At the age of 24, Bennett has yet to reach his full potential, but he certainly has not been the player many expected him to be.

How good is Sam Bennett?

Bennett is an aggressive winger who has shown potential as a two-way player. That said, his game has its flaws. For instance, his physical play style does not perfectly correspond to his build, as he stands at 6’1″ and weighs only 195 pounds. Additionally, he takes too many unnecessary penalties; his 93 penalty minutes ranked 10th in the NHL in 2018-2019. On the defensive end, he struggles to defend in front of the net, thus preventing his development as a potential center.

Altogether, Bennett is a talented middle-six winger who has room to grow, but his current style of play is far from perfect.

Why is Sam Bennett on the trade block?

The former top-five pick seems to think his development is delayed in Calgary. On January 30th, Darren Ferris, Sam Bennett’s agent, Eric Francis, said his player was interested in “a change of scenery.” Francis also said that Brad Treliving, the general manager of the Calgary Flames was “blindsided” by these requests. Insider Darren Dreger said, “The Flames are in absolutely no rush to trade Sam Bennett… Brad Treliving is willing to stand pat.” That said, Bennett was a healthy scratch during Thursday’s loss to the Winnipeg Jets for the first time this season, prompting speculation about a potential trade.

Should the Islanders pursue Bennett?

In their first nine games, the Islanders have used five different third-line combinations. However, the only player to appear in all nine games was center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom has shown flashes of greatness, while Michael Dal Colle, Leo Komarov and Ross Johnston have had their moments as well. Nonetheless, Pageau could benefit from consistency on his wings.

Ideally, Bennett could fill a gaping hole for the Islanders. That said, a potential trade would prompt serious financial issues for the organization. Simply put, the Flames would need to acquire a player and his contract in return for Sam Bennett and his $2.55 million contract this season.

The cap situation for the Islanders should only get worse. Three valuable assets, Anthony Beauviller, Adam Pelech, and Ilya Sorokin, are set to hit restricted free agency, and unrestricted free agents Casey Cizikas and Andy Greene will also need new contracts, although retirement is a possible option for Greene.

What Could a Bennett Trade Look Like?

New York Islanders receive: Sam Bennett (1 year, $2.55M, RFA)

Calgary Flames receive: Thomas Hickey (2 years, $2.5M if taken off practice squad, UFA), 2021 2nd Round Draft Pick (via Colorado Avalanche)

How does this benefit the Islanders?

As previously mentioned, the Islanders would benefit by filling their need for a third-line winger. Bennett, who always finds himself in puck battles, could provide more scoring opportunities for his potential center, Pageau. Also, Hickey is a perfect player to send the other way. He does not have a clear role on the Islanders, and they have been trying to clear his contract for a while. Sebastian Aho is a serviceable seventh defenseman, and the Islanders could also bring up defenseman Bode Wilde for a nine-game trial if necessary.

This past offseason, the Islanders acquired two second round picks from the Colorado Avalanche in return for Devon Toews. If they want to win the Stanley Cup in the near future, they should use their draft picks to fill their third-line holes.

How does this benefit the Flames?

Bennett’s time with Calgary is likely coming to an end. Although he will be only a restricted free agent, he likely will seek a contract elsewhere if the Flames do not trade him. If the Flames decide to hold on to Bennett, they also run the risk of losing him to the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 Expansion Draft. Additionally, Bennett’s production seems to be on a downward trend, so trading Bennett sooner rather than later should give the Flames more leverage.

Thomas Hickey’s contract is not ideal, but Hickey is a crucial part of this trade. The Flames lack defensive depth outside their top six, so Hickey could be first in line if any injuries or COVID-19 cases arise in the Flames’ defense core. Additionally, Hickey is a Calgary native, which adds a level of comfort for Hickey; he spent most of last year in Calgary with his brother, Dan, who tragically passed away last March.

Additionally, the Flames likely will not receive a first-round pick for Bennett, so a second-round pick might be the best return available.

Will this trade happen?

The Islanders are likely not looking to trade for any players due to salary cap issues, but this trade checks out financially. If Hickey is promoted from the taxi squad, this trade could theoretically happen. If the Islanders express interest, do not be surprised to see Bennett on the Island in the near future.

Ben Kule

Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others