nashville doesn't accept
I don't think winnipeg has no use for nurse

Jets pass in my opinion

Not interested in Benning at that price.

You should be. That's less than he's worth and you need RHD badly.

Fine. Keep him. We don't need another player with concussion issues. Also, he's nothing more than 3rd pairing guy. He'd be behind Manson and Gudbranson in our line-up. We can just sign someone from FA rather than give up assets to acquire a guy.

Wanted to say for a second rounder but I knew even a third would get that response on this site.

Yeah, sometimes you gotta play to the crowd.

Look, you both might be right that Benning could net a 2nd pick. I disagree. I don't think anyone gives up a significant asset like that for a pending RFA. It provides too much leverage and means you'll be overpaying on the next contract. I could see a team giving up a 3rd round pick, but, personally, it is not a deal I would do as it really doesn't achieve anything for us. We're retooling/rebuilding. Would rather just keep the 3rd and draft with it. A 3rd pairing guy can be picked up from FA.

Have you seen Benning's stats? He's been consistently good in every season, winning his 5v5 minutes on a team that generally hasn't. He has value at $2M.

5v5 GF% (relative to team)
2016-17: 56.76% (+5.03)
2017-18: 51.55% (+3.38)
2018-19: 55.84% (+12.22)
2019-20: 58.97% (+10.77)

His point production is good too, and steadily improving:

2016-17: 0.71 P/60
2017-18: 0.85
2018-19: 0.86
2019-20: 0.91

To put these numbers into perspective for you, Hampus Lindholm hasn't matched them even once.

2016-17: 0.69 P/60
2017-18: 0.84
2018-19: 0.68
2019-20: 0.63

Cam Fowler did better this year, but that was the first time:

2016-17: 0.71 P/60
2017-18: 0.83
2018-19: 0.66
2019-20: 1.11

That 3rd round pick has a very, very low chance of becoming the player Matt Benning is today.

And just try finding a UFA with those numbers for $2M. I don't think you will.

He’s a gem that’s unfortunately the odd man out. Benning has been such a warrior and excellent member of oilers I don’t even care for a return. I just want to see him land somewhere he can continue to grow and get more minutes. Him being the odd man out in Edmonton is strictly due to him earning more than can be given.
Toronto’s situation seem a perfect fit. I have zero doubt benning could handle the extra minutes and play a complementary role at a price point they can afford.

Benning for kerfoot is a deal leaf fans may not like the look of at first but one they will be pleasantly surprised how well it would work out.

Hmmmm... you make a compelling case. I mean, there are some elements that haven't been considered, namely quality of competition when comparing his numbers to Lindholm and Fowler. Moreover, there is an assumption that Benning would accept a $2M per year contract? Seems kind of low to me. In any event, I am happy to concede the point and agree that he'd be a very good addition at just a 3rd round pick. Even getting 3rd pairing minutes against bottom 6 competition, his numbers are impressive.

Have your staff send over the paperwork

Well played, sir!