Flames' Bennett a healthy scratch as trade rumors swirl

Calgary Flames forward Sam Bennett will be a healthy scratch on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets, head coach Geoff Ward said, according to The Athletic's Hailey Salvian.

It was reported Saturday that Bennett was seeking a trade. The request from his agent Darren Ferris reportedly blindsided the Flames, who said the forward had not asked for a move.

"Everything that's gonna happen in terms of where the speculation is going has to do with (general manager Brad Treliving) and Darren Ferris," Ward said, according to TSN's Salim Nadim Valji.

Bennett has failed to meet expectations after he was selected fourth overall by the Flames in 2014. His career high in points is 36 and he's tallied zero goals and one assist while averaging 13:20 per game in nine contests this season.

The 24-year-old's underlying numbers don't do him any favors, either. His expected goals share (44.2%) and shot-attempt share (46.7%) at five-on-five this season are both career worsts, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Bennett is in the final season of a contract that carries a cap hit of $2.55 million. He'll be a restricted free agent after the campaign.