Sam Bennett is a free agent this summer. But unlike Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau last summer, Bennett isn’t in line for a major raise over his entry level contract. His relatively disappointing sophomore season of 13 goals and 26 points puts him well outside of the typical “six-year second contract” group of young players.
Which usually means it’s time for a “bridge” deal: a short-term “prove it” contract between one and three years. This gives the team flexibility to further evaluate the player while he develops and it gives the player a chance to increase his value and get a better deal relatively quickly.