Florida Panthers acquire Sam Bennett; Montreal Canadiens acquire Erik Gustafsson

The Florida Panthers have made a move to acquire forward Sam Bennett from the Calgary Flames, while the Montreal Canadiens acquired defenceman Erik Gustafsson from the Philadelphia Flyers.

In return, the Flames will receive Florida’s 2022 second round pick and prospect Emil Heineman.

Bennett, 24, was drafted 4th overall in the 2014 draft but has struggled in his time with the Flames. Over 402 games, Bennett’s scored only 140 points in 402 games with the Flames, scoring a season-high 36 points in his second season.

According to hockeyviz.com, at even-strength Bennett provides offence at a three percent rate above league average and defence at a one percent rate below league average.

Bennett is a RFA at the end of the season and carries a cap hit of $2.255-million.

Montreal, meanwhile, shores up their defence by bringing in Gustafsson. The 29-year-old defenceman has appeared in 24 games with the Flyers this year scoring 10 points.

In exchange, the Flyers acquired a 2022 7th round pick while retaining 50% of Gustafsson’s salary.

According to hockeyviz.com, at even-strength Gustafsson provides offence at a 13 percent rate worse than league average and defence at a three percent rate worse than league average.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.