Ottawa rejects!

Would be nice to sign Bear for that long but number would probably have to start with a 5 if they did

Then they are foolish.

Giving Braden Holtby a huge contract is a terrible idea. He's been below average for the past 3 years, and getting worse.

Ottawa fans said they aren't gonna trade any draft picks from this year.
And then you think they would be foolish to reject this? Lol Edmonton fans love to just trade away players like Kris Russel and Benning then sign players like Fast Hoffman etc

Edmonton fans love trading away players with value. And then use the cap space to fill needs. They are crazy.

Statistically the odds of the 2020 3rd round pick having a decent NHL career are less than 15%. Obviously the odds of the 2021 4th round pick having a decent NHL career are even lower. Certainly there have been a number of very good, and even great NHL players selected in the middle rounds, but the vast majority don't pan-out. Most of those picks are a roll of the dice.

Benning will be 26 years old in two weeks. He's a right-handed 5-6 defender who in his 248 game NHL career has quietly produced some of the best defensive analytics in the league. He is over-paid for the role he plays, his skating isn't great, and he doesn't produce a lot of offence, but he is a very strong defender, and on occasion he lays out some bone-crunching hits. He is what he is, a bona fide NHL defenseman under team control, with a well-established record in a clearly defined role. I suspect the only reasons Holland would trade this guy are the stagnant salary cap, required qualifying offer, and the group of very strong prospects pushing for NHL jobs next season. Dorion would be foolish not to consider taking a bird in the hand rather than two in the bush, particularly given his organization's need to stay above the cap floor while building a young nucleus. Two picks might be a bit much for Ottawa's tastes, but a third round selection is a good deal for a solid stay-at-home NHL defenseman who is on the cusp of entering his prime years.