As recently reported by Ek, there is a rumor that a Canadian team(or two) may be sending an offer sheet to Dallas for RFA Jamie Benn. This just so happens to be a player who a team like Calgary desperately needs. Not only is Benn a strong skater, a big body and young, but he’s also a centerman!

At 23 years old, Benn has played 222 games in the NHL and has tallied 160 points(0.72ppg). Benn was drafted 129th overall in 2007 and although he wasn’t exactly high a lot of scout’s radars, he has certainly climbed up the depth charts over the last three seasons. Many believe there is a small chance Benn is not signed by Dallas, or further that if an offer sheet is received they would match it; however given the Parise and possibly Weber situation, anything can happen.

With the salaries being given out of late, it’s hard to say what Benn may fetch in a contract, however it would likely fall between $5-6.5M per year. Chances are he would fetch closer to $6M per year for 5-6years, however with the recent need of many teams for a true number one center with size and grit, a few GMs may be willing to overpay.

For arguments sake, if the agreed upon offer sheet for Benn falls closer to $6M, the compensation from a team like Calgary would be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick. Conversely if it’s above $6.3M, Calgary would have to shell out two 1sts, a 2nd and a 3rd round pick.

With the possibility of Jay Bouwmeester being moved, it would allow Feaster enough room to sign Benn to an offer sheet anywhere in between the above mentioned amounts; but the question is, is it worth it? Problem is, in order for Calgary to send an offer sheet, they would have to reacquire their 2nd round pick that was given to Montreal in the Cammalleri trade. Does Montreal have any need for a guy like Bouwmeester?

There will certainly be competition to acquire the services of Benn, as Brian Burke is also desperate for a top line centerman. Could there perhaps be a trade between the two clubs rather than an offer sheet? I would imagine any delay in contract talk either means the player merely wants out, or wants too much money. If it’s the latter, perhaps Dallas looks to deal his services rather than entertaining an offer sheet.

What do you guys think? If there are in fact delays or problems with respect to contract negotiations with Benn, do you take the offer sheet route(if possible), or look for a solid hockey trade?

Thanks for reading!

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