Flurry of late deals have Sam Bennett traded to Panthers; Capitals make biggest deal of the day acquiring Anthony Mantha
Anthony Scultore
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The Flames did trade pending RFA Sam Bennett today. The Florida Panthers acquired the 24 year-old rugged center and a 2022 sixth round pick from Calgary for Emil Heineman and a second round pick in 2022. Bennett has 12 points in 38 games this season.
Panthers acquire Sam Bennett
Per the Panthers website:
Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito announced today that the club has acquired forward Sam Bennett and a 2022 sixth-round draft pick from the Calgary Flames in exchange for forward Emil Heineman (drafted by FLA in 2020) and a 2022 second-round draft pick.
“Sam is a skilled and versatile forward who plays the game with a great level of competitiveness, physicality and leadership,” said Zito. “He is a young player who possesses solid experience in the postseason and will be an exciting addition to our lineup.”
Capitals make a last minute splash with Anthony Mantha
Kevin Weekes broke the trade live on air for NHL Network and it was a shocker. It was the a true hockey deal the Capitals acquire Anthony Mantha from the Red Wings for Jakub Vrana, Richard Panik, a 2021 first rounder and a 2022 second round selection. Wow!
The 26 year-old Mantha is a big boy. At 6-5 and 234 pounds he along with Tom Wilson will give team fits in the playoffs. So far this season he has 21 points in 42 games but that was on the Wings. He should absolutely thrive in Washington. Mantha comes with an AAV of $5.7 million for the next three seasons.
This has to be in response to the Penguins adding Jeff Carter, Islanders with Kyle Palmieri, and the Bruins with Taylor Hall. Good luck East Division.