Is the value difference for the two a 2nd?

I though it would be closer to a pick swap

Bennet's got another year while Skjei is up at the end of the season, that's why the pick is so high

Ahhhh, yes

I mix up the contracts between Bennett and Reinhart all the time, makes sense now but a good idea for both imo

Why would Florida do this? Completely ruin their centre depth for an extra LHD which bumps a new signing off the roster. Either need to expand the trade to add another forward and Dman from both sides to even out the rosters or it doesn’t work.

ERod means Bennett is moveable. It doesn't touch the depth. It pushes a new addition off the roster, sure, but Skjei is literally better than OEL, Rielly, Kulikov, Mikkola etc etc

Ok but why downgrade centre depth to create a log jam in the D end

Bennett is likely not available. His skill set and that contract are worth alot more than skjei

Because he's a Canes fan who wants bennett

That's quite the statement. Doubt Bill Zito feels the same way.

It gives them a genuine top 4 LD that they're lacking right now. Someone who excels in both ends. Yes, they'd end up with a lot of defensemen, but with Ekblad's injury history and he and Montour both going to be missing the start of the season, it makes sense.

Then why would you sign a capable top six center for that long? ERod *can* play on the wing, but after just signing him, Bennet's the more likely to go. With the serious issues their roster has, Zito will have to do something

florida will play the hand that they have first. if somehow the guy they brought dont to the job, then they'll make a move. having erod doesnt mean they'll make a move, depth is good. you should knkw as a cane fan, they are bringing more top 4 dman that they can handle.

Florida doesn't have the center depth to trade Bennett and if there's one thing I'll give Maurice its that he can get pretty good mileage out of depth dmen so that defense should be fine till Ekblad and Montour return, the big question for the Panthers is what kind of goaltending are they gonna get from Bob and Knight.

Depth is good, but running with a LD set of Forsling, OEL, Mikkola, and Rielly is dodgy. Kulikov as a depth option and stuff is good, but it's missing an actual top 4 LD outside of Forsling

i understand that, im just saying they will give them a chance first before any trade.

Erod is a Duclair replacement. Plus, Erod is more of a playmaker whereas Duclair was a shooter. This is actually more ideal than having Duclair as the 1RW because Verhaeghe is coming off a 42 goal season, he's the primary shooter of that line. He needs a playmaker on the other wing.
It's also worth noting that Erod is right handed, which is perfect.

Moving Bennett leaves a gaping hole down the middle as well, and like others have mentioned, he was a monster in the playoffs. 15 points in 20 games and is very gritty and nasty. He's worth way more than his weight in gold.

They have like 7 LHD and Maurice is great at getting usage out of depth D, plus Skjei's 18 goal season is most definitely an outlier season, it's the only time he's ever scored double digits his entire career. No chance he replicates it. They got OEL and Forsling to move the puck until Montour and Ekblad are back.