Quoting: mytduxfan
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.