Zach Benson contract projections
Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic: So, Zach Benson is going to get paid. The question now becomes how much? This is for a few reasons, along with Benson being a core piece. Trust anyone when they say Benson and core piece go together like peanut butter and jelly. Yes, the 21-year-old has made that kind of impression in Buffalo.
While a second contract at 21 is rare, these things do happen. With an increased salary cap, Jarmo Kekalainen knows that cap will move up even more over the next few seasons. Benson is starting to show the entire package from a two-way game to physicality, and much more. Getting in on the ground floor is important.
Several free agents are on the horizon for Buffalo to negotiate with. However, early could turn late fast with Benson. Paying now may be better business for later.
Who might break the RFA bank this offseason?
How much do the Calgary Flames try to move up in the Draft?
Kyle Morton of the Daily Faceoff: Craig Conroy is working on his own moves before the NHL Draft in Buffalo begins on June 26th. For one, the reports that Conroy is trying to move up are very much in play. Losing two spots and dropping to No. 6 in the lottery compounded what had already been a bad season in Calgary.
Some believe the second, third, or fourth overall picks could be in play. San Jose (No. 2) and Chicago (No. 4) are definitely at least listening. Chicago desires a player to play with Connor Bedard, but has options of its own. Needless to say, this is an evolving process that will play itself out in the coming weeks.
The dirty half dozen offer sheet targets
Joe Yerdon of Bleacher Report: Okay, cue the silly. Simon Nemec is the first name that pops up in most talk about offer sheets. Sunny Mehta knew this would not be easy, and the cap in New Jersey is still a tightrope. The defenseman could be a target, but a bigger one may become Pavel Dorofeyev. The forward scores big goals, and Vegas is in a cap squeeze. Someone should take their swings here. Being ruthless against the ruthless makes for more possibilities.
Bruce Cassidy wants to talk BUT…
So, Alexander Nikishin did not turn out as expected in Carolina, but young defenseman can take time. See Nemec, who is also still finding his place. Then, there is Jason Robertson, who is the big name here. Robertson’s skill level ups the AAV considerably here. It may be on the level of what the Joe Sakic offer sheet was years ago.
Finally, we did not forget about Zach Benson and Kirby Dach. Dach has battled all sorts of injuries but his potential remains high. Benson’s upside could be considered sky high in comparison. The Buffalo forward had 43 points in 65 games despite a more defensive role. That is all known. It is clear that management prioritizes Benson but sometimes one has to try.
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