While a bridge deal of 2 years @ ~5m seems the mostly likely, I think the flames have to seriously consider a long-term deal with Bennett:
1) Flames have excess salary cap over the next 2 years but things get tight after that. Might as well sign a long term deal with Bennett to reduce the cap hit in the 2019+ period when things are tight and increase the cap hit over the next 2 seasons when there should be excess room under the cap.
2) I think Bennett is the type of player where the organization can afford to gamble on a long term contract. Through friends connected to flames players, I continue to hear that many continue to view Bennett as the most talented forward in the organization and among the most disciplined.
Year 1. 1.5m
Year 2. 3.5m
Year 3. 3.5m
Year 4. 5.0m
Year 5. 5.0m
Year 6. 7.0m
Year 7. 7.0m
7 years @ 4.65m
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