Report: Flames drastically switching gears in Bennett trade talks!

The rumors keep going back and forth. One minute Calgary Flames former first round pick Sam Bennett is finding himself on the trade block, another he is staying put as the team expects him to get out of his funk and rack up goals. 

In 16 games so far, no goal. Until last night, not even a point, until he put up an assist on the scoresheet against the Detroit Red Wings in Thursday's night 6-3 win. 

TSN insider Bob McKenzie revealed earlier this week that Flames GM Brad Treliving was not looking to move Bennett, hoping the 21-year-old would improve and bring the team's a great offensive boost. However, rumors hinted that Bennett was indeed on the trade block and several teams have come calling. 

According to Rory Boyle of Sportsnet, Bennett's trade value has decreased and rival clubs are looking to land him for almost nothing. Now, the Flames might look to drastically switch gears by saying they are not looking to move him so they don't lose the deal. 

"But other teams are more likely to be circling this situation, ready to fly in and pluck him for a reduced cost if the Flames ever looked to offload. That’s the trap Calgary can’t fall into," Boylen writes.

Moving him now would bring a small return to Calgary, so Treviling might be playing with interested teams, upping the ante on Bennett. 

That might not be a bad idea, which gives Bennett's time to find his mojo and add more points to his statistics. Therefore, his price would go up and teams will battle more to land him in their roster. 

A rumour involving Bennett and Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk was mentioned a few times in the recent weeks. The Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets are also seeking help up front. 

It will be interesting to see what happens with Bennett, on and off the ice...