it's not so much about Bournival having leverage with Montreal, but more that he would just sign with another team where he would be given a chance to compete for a spot. If Bergevin said we want you for AHL depth, he's only 25, he's best to explore his options. If the Canadiens were serious about him, he'd be on the team now. He wouldn't be in the AHL. So, if a team think they will have some competition from another team for him, I can see them throwing a 5th/6th round pick the habs way to secure his rights before July 1.
Well I don't think MB would say we want you for AHL depth, as he could easily say we hope you can force your way into the lineup. The difference would be a one way vs a two way as I don't see him getting a one way and a two way would show more that the Habs don't have as much faith in him.
But he's only 22 not 25, he's coming off his ELC so it's not uncommon to get a two way for your first contract after your ELC expired. Had he spent the bulk of his ELC in the AHL like many do, it wouldn't be much to do about anything since he would be re-signed with the hope that he might stick and if not the Habs would either trade him if they thought he wouldn't clear waivers or just send him down. Teams don't need to trade a 5th/6th to get his rights, they could just trade for him and give him his QO.
Granted he could look at the big picture and think maybe I don't have a future here so if he gets his QO from the Habs, he could refuse and try to sign elsewhere.
He is one of the elder statesman prospects in the system, signed through next year. Am I correct to assume that he loses his waiver exemption at age 25? To those that saw some Dogs games this season, what were your impressions? Do you think he has a future with the organization? Does him being one of the only left d-man prospects weigh in the decision?
I moved this to the AHL thread, no need to bump a thread from so long ago when it can be discussed here. Bennett has to clear waivers in 2017-2018 unless he plays in 60 NHL games before that.
Clearly the Habs must not be too thrilled with him since they opted not to call him up with the black aces. I have mixed views on his play this year, at times he was a healthy scratch while the coach opted to dress Joe Finley in his place. I thought he was solid for the most part, I'm sure it was a struggle to adjust from the short NCAA schedule to the much longer AHL schedule.
What he does bring is great skating, outstanding mobility, smarts, solid two way play. I do think he has a future with the Habs but his lack of size/strength is a concern. That said puck moving D are good to have, he is so smooth moving the puck up ice. He has a couple years in the AHL to work on things so we'll see how it goes.
Him being one of the few LD's we have doesn't hurt his chances for sure since we are so thin at LD's, but in the end he will need to up his level of play no matter what side he plays on. Plus perhaps a couple of our RD's can play LD. Ellis was doing it this year, not saying you want that long term as with prospects you want to put them in a position to succeed so playing their natural position is the best way to go but for some they can easily play their off-side while for others it's a nightmare.
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