Oh, to be Brad Marchand or Sam Bennett right about now.
The two veteran forwards have to be currently considered the odds-on favourites for the Conn Smythe Trophy (awarded annually to the most valuable player of his team in the playoffs).
I mean, there’s no question.
With the Panthers planting a stiff upper-cut on the Edmonton Oilers’ chin Monday night in that 6-1 romp, Marchand and Bennett seized the day one more time. The former Bruin star opened the scoring for Florida – his eighth of the post-season – while Bennett hammered a nail into the Oilers’ thoughts of a comeback with a second period marker to make the game 4-1, and essentially out of reach.
Bennett’s goal was his 14th springtime tally. He is running away with the goal-scoring lead; Bennett sits four ahead of Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl, and while fatigue is creeping in on many in this final, Bennett appears to be getting stronger.
The argument for Marchand is simple – seemingly all his goals have come at consequential, weighty moments.
He is clutch.
Period.
This must be killing the rest of the serious competition who passed (or couldn’t get anything done) on Marchand at the trade deadline, citing age (he’s 37) and perceived wear-and-tear. The cost was not inconsequential as the Panthers gave up a conditional second-round pick (2027) for him. That pick bumped up to a first-rounder after Florida won two rounds this spring.
One of those teams, Toronto, gave up a first-round selection in acquiring Scott Laughton from Philly as the deadline approached. Laughton did not score in the playoffs but does have term.
Ah yes, term.
Both Bennett and Marchand cash out of their contracts once the playoffs wrap up.
And with that ‘no term,’ comes ‘let the bidding begin.’
As unrestricted free agents, the duo will be wrestled and fought over on July 1st when the doors swing open on the 2025 UFA class which is not top-heavy on star forwards. Yes, Mitchell Marner is there but it’s slim as far as what follows.
As is customary in the NHL, teams will overpay and surrender too much term to the top guys available.
For Marchand and Bennett, that’d be more than okay.
Meantime, the rumours are flying that both will re-sign in Florida (tax situation is pretty grand down there) if GM Bill Zito can work his magic.
“Yeah, I’ve thought about it. But we’ll deal with that in the future,” Marchand said to ESPN when asked about staying put.
COUNTING THE OILERS OUT, ARE WE?
Not in the least.
The series is now 2-1 Florida which makes Game 4 pretty much must-win for the Oilers. That’s the fact.
What is troubling is the manner in which Edmonton got tossed and turned away on Monday night.
Not only did they get shellacked, but the Oilers also fell into the Panthers’ trap and tried to play ‘Florida-hockey.’
Edmonton isn’t built that way (who is?).
I get that frustration plays a part. The Oilers though made discipline a non-entity in Game 3. Evander Kane needs to be better. Two first-period penalties were certainly no-no’s.
The other troubling scene was Connor McDavid not being able to create space. If the Panthers succeed in continuing the shut-down trend, it’ll be a quick exit for the competition.
We kind of knew that the loss of Zach Hyman (wrist) would be huge. In games like Monday night’s, that truly came to the front of brain.
SENATORS PREPPING FOR BUSY MONTH AHEAD
Yep.
There’s plenty percolating in the nation’s capital even though the Ottawa Senators haven’t seen a sliver of ice since the Toronto elimination.
On the trade front, the name Drake Batherson is getting batted around, and believe what you want here. The somewhat enigmatic winger put up solid numbers in 2024-25 (26 goals, 68 points . . . one playoff goal in six games), but there’s always the expectation that he could do more.
We’ll see on this one, but the organization was quick on the trigger to deny any trade discussions have or are taking place.
Meantime, the Claude Giroux talks continue. A pending UFA, word is Giroux wants to re-sign. He turns 38 in January and has clearly lost a few steps (15 goals, 50 points in 81 games). Still, Giroux is an important part of the team’s veteran core, and a two-year deal might just fit.
The NHL draft is later this month (Round 1 on June 27th, Rounds 2-7 on June 28th). Ottawa picks 21st.
This is not considered a deep or particularly talent-heavy class.
First pick this summer will go to the NY Islanders, followed by San Jose then Chicago.
thegrossgame@yahoo.com
Photo: Courtesy Post Media
