BEAU BENNETT MOVES TO THE DEVILS
The New Jersey Devils acquired winger Beau Bennett from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a third-round draft pick in 2016.
What does it give the New Jersey Devils
The Devils know Bennett very well, as Ray Shero drafted him while General Manager of the Penguins. Coach John Hynes also came from Pittsburgh so there is significant familiarity with the player. Bennett has a lot of skill and the ability to play either wing position but has been very brittle since entering the NHL in 2012-13. If he can shake the injury bug he may surprise in New Jersey.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Penguins
While Bennett failed to stay healthy, several other Penguins prospects surpassed him on the depth chart in 2015-16: Bryan Rust, Conor Sheary, Scott Wilson and Tom Kuhnhackl. Therefore, the Pens were comfortable moving the pending restricted free agent for a third-round pick in the draft, which they did not have before. Pittsburgh used the pick to select physical D-man Connor Hall.
Fantasy impact
Bennett has been a perennial sleeper since he was selected 20th overall by Pittsburgh in 2010. He should get a bigger opportunity to shine in New Jersey and could finally bust out offensively in 2016-17, but must first find a way to stay in the lineup.
Player focus
Pittsburgh Penguins
a third-round draft pick in 2016