Joined: Jun. 2017
Posts: 173
Likes: 16
Bennett is a great character guy that could still turn into a top 6 forward, but up until now, he hasn't shown enough to get anything more than a prove-it deal for 1-2 years at 2-2.5M. Kapanen and Johnsson both had 20 goals and 40 points, where Bennett has struggled to get to 15 goals and 30 points the last few years. As for Tkachuk, the Flames have worked the cap really well, starting with Giordano's contract which set an internal max for contracts. Tkachuk will definitely set the new high, but he's a competitor who wants to win, and is probably Calgary's next captain. I think it more likely that he signs for 5-6 years at a lower cap hit (7.5-8M). As for Toronto, which is I think the point you're trying to make. They have 17 players signed with just under 9M in cap space, to resign at least 3 forwards and 2 Defensemen to round out the roster, including Marner who will take up more than they already have. Calgary has a bit of maneuvering to do. Toronto is poised to lose a top 4 defenseman (Gardiner), may be forced to trade two of their top 9 forwards (kapanen and Johnsson) and could lose (in my opinion) Marner, their best player to an offer sheet, unless they make some serious player-for-pick moves.