Just in time.
With the Calgary Flames set to begin training camp next week, the pressure was on to re-sign restricted free agent Sam Bennett to a new contract.
As early as yesterday, TSN reported that the two sides weren’t close to a deal. Bennett was considering Europe, apparently, too.
Well what a difference a day makes.
Thankfully for Flames fans, Bennett and the team have come to an agreement.
The 21-year-old centre has signed a two-year deal worth $1.95 million per season. That’s a bargain price for a player with a lot of upside.
The fourth overall pick in the 2014 draft, Bennett had a disappointing season for Calgary last season. His point total dipped from his rookie season, as he managed just 26 points in 81 games.
It’s not uncommon for young players to struggle in the NHL, particularly in their sophomore season.
The two-year contract – or a ‘bridge deal’ as it’s commonly known in the NHL – will give Bennett a chance to prove himself. If he breaks out and becomes the player that the organization thought he would become when they drafted him, his next contract will be a rather large one.
If he flops, the Flames will be happy they didn’t overcommit to the youngster.
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