Those critical of Bennett confuse me. To start - yeah, if we can snag RNH in a Bennett trade? Well, RNH is the better player so I'd be stoked. Barring someone absolutely overpaying for Bennett, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic for Bennett's future, so why the negative feelings towards Bennett?
Bennett contributed to a limited degree to the best regular season this organization has had. Come playoff time, he was our most productive and impactful forward - so why is there negativity towards him? For what? You want more from your 3rd line winger in the regular season than he has been contributing? He brings a competitive edge and embodies team play with how he stands up for his teammates. Bennett also puts up points at the level of a 3rd line player while being the best player on our 3rd line - which to me also points the fact that we should be looking to upgrade the other parts of the 3rd line, not subtracting Bennett. The nixed Kadri trade shows the organization's desire to improve upon that line as well.
He's a good 3rd line player right now when you look at the full package he brings, and I do think he could bring his play to a new level on the 2nd line when it comes to production - but if that doesn't come to pass, he's a very good piece for the 3rd line and I'm happy with that.
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