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Calgary Flames Make "Obvious" Decision & Sign Sam Bennett

July 25, 2014, 3:41 PM ET [170 Comments]
Colin Dambrauskas
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The Calgary Flames have signed their most recent draft pick – the highest in franchise history at 4th overall – Sam Bennett to a three year, entry level contract.

Because Sam was signed by the club as an 18 year old, according to the CBA, his ELC will actually be able to slide, twice.


If a player aged 18 or 19 signs an entry-level contract with a club (with his age calculated on Sept. 15 of the year he signed the contract) but does not play in at least 10 NHL games — regular season or playoffs — the contract will "slide" or be extended one year. The extension does not apply if the player turns 20 between Sept. 16 and Dec. 31 in the year he signed the contract.

Depending on the contract's structure, the player's cap hit can be affected either by an increase or a decrease. Players who sign at age 18 can have their contract extended (or "slide") two seasons.
CBA reference: Section 9.1 (d) (P. 23-24)


This is good news for the Flames organization, as Bennett’s ELC contract can be extended by two years if he does not play more than 10 NHL games over the course of the first two years of said contract. That said, Bennett could remain as an ELC for five total years which would provide the club ample time to develop, assess, and sign the player long term.

Personally, I do not envision Bennett playing beyond 9 games this year with the Flames. I do feel that the club will take their time with this individual and ensure that he matures and develops properly, rather than risking the opposed.

Bennett will then likely return to the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs where he will take on a large role with the team and develop under the leadership and guidance of GM Doug Gilmour. A strong camp will certainly make it difficult for GM Brad Treliving and coach Bob Hartley to send the minor packing, however I do believe that they are in no rush with this young player and understand what it takes to develop a future star.

With respect to Sean Monahan, the difference for me was that the team wasn’t exactly at the same stage which they find themselves in at the moment. What I mean to say is that they didn’t necessarily have a game plan or identify in the NHL as many, us included, were left wondering what their direction would be to start the year.

With a strong camp and the need for extra fire power, Sean Monahan surprised the hockey world and showed that he is ready and committed to full time NHL duties.

With Monahan and a few younger players such as Baertschi, Backlund, Gaudreau etc, the Flames are likely to ease off adding another young and inexperienced player, especially of Bennett’s ilk. A decent number of youth is always healthy when rebuilding, but too much can be detrimental, both in short term and long term goals.

The only remaining RFA's to sign for the Flames are Lance Bouma and Mark Cundari. With respect to Bouma, Craig Conroy recently added that the negotiation process has started with Lance, however "I know what it's like, you feel like you're worth more. Negotiation always takes longer than you'd like."

The thought here is that Bouma is likely pushing for added dough and or years. It's no secret that the Flames have money to spend, but it would not be wise for the team to be irresponsibly with cap dollars now as it will affect future signings.

Bouma, 24, impressed many fans last year with his work ethic, however there may be concerns with keeping this player around long term. The length of his contract, if re-signed by the Flames, should give an indication of where he fits into their long term plans.

That’s all for today folks, enjoy your weekends!
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