No.3: Beau Bennett
The Pittsburgh Penguins decided to trade Beau Bennett’s rights to the New Jersey Devils on draft day, but the third-round pick that the Devils gave up is up in the air as Bennett is set to hit free agency. He, like Schultz, is a player who could still be signed by the team.
Position: Both Wings
Height / Weight: 6-foot-2, 195 lbs
Age: 24
2015-16 Stats: 33 GP — 6 Goals — 6 Assists — 12 Points
Projection: 82 GP — 15 Goals — 15 Assists — 30 Points
2015-16 Salary: $0.8 million
Expected UFA Salary: $2.5 million
Like Brett Connolly, Bennett is a skilled player who has struggled with injuries — hence just played 33 games this past season and just one in the playoffs with the Penguins. He, in fact, was drafted about a dozen picks after Connolly was drafted.
Bennett, however, projects as more of a playmaker than a scorer, unlike Connolly. He is also versatile enough to play both wings and has a decent shot. His size also allows him to push his way to the front of the net but is prone to injuries because of his lack of strength.
He has been criticized for not using his sniper shot. Look at these highlights and see if the Canucks could have used this from Mr. Radim Vrbata this season.
Like Connolly, Bennett could be used on the right wing for the Sedins to play with should other options become too expensive. Bennett, however, could be a fit on anywhere in the top-nine.
Next: No.2: BRANDON PIRRI