It was announced yesterday that the Minnesota Swarm will trade Ryan Benesch and Andrew Watt to the Buffalo Bandits. In return they will receive two first round draft picks, one in 2015 and one in 2016, and a third round pick, in 2017. This trade falls in line with how the Swarm’s General Manager, and staff, have worked trades since their inception in 2005.
The Swarm are known to stock draft picks and this trade is no different. They will be giving up a significant part of their veteran leadership, and two players who are huge in the local lacrosse community of Minnesota.
Ryan Benesch has played for the Swarm for the last four season and was a two-time NLL All- Star in 2011 and 2012. Swarm co- owner John Arlotta said this of Benesch in the Swarm’s press release,
“Ryan was a critical part of our franchise the last four years, and not only brought scoring to the team, but he was also a great leader off the floor.’
Benesch last season was a huge part of the Swarm’s late season run that propelled them into the Conference Finals, for the second straight year.
Andrew Watt was the first pick for the Swarm after being sold to the Arlottas in 2008. Since then Watt has become one of the best transition players in the NLL. Watt also was one of the players called upon when the Swarm’s captain Andrew Suitor tore his ACL part way through the season.
The Swarm will look to have young players fill the gaps in the wake of this trade. With Shayne Jackson and Kiel Matisz both coming off huge rookie seasons the team look to be able to fill the hole left by Benesch. Minnesota will also return the reigning Transition Player of the Year in Jordan MacIntosh. Also the Swarm will look to have their Captain back with a repaired knee.
This trade also allows the Swarm to maybe sign a more consistent goalie or a powerful defenseman, which the team strongly needs. This could also mean that the Swarm could try to draft Logan Schuss. This would be a great draft choice for the Swarm seeing as Schuss attended the Ohio State University, where he holds the records for points, goals, and shots.
There has been a lot of talk, since the trade was announced, from the Swarm fans, asking when the rebuilding style of trades will end. The answer to the fans is fairly self evident in the fact that the Swarm has made it to back to back Conference Finals and are one of the teams that will have a legitimate shot at winning a Championship in the next few years.
The Swarm also posted a sincere goodbye to the two players on their facebook page stating
‘On behalf of the Swarm organization, we would like to thank both Ryan and Andrew for their contributions on and off the field over the years and wish them the best of luck in Buffalo.’
I would also like to say good luck both Ryan and Andrew in Buffalo, and it has been a pleasure to watch both of you on and off the floor.
