I think that once Hartley trusts him to perform well the defensive responsibilities of the centre position, he'll get plenty of ice time. I wonder if he won't play with Frolik as he's regarded as an excellent 2-way player.
I think he's a little overrated to be honest. I'm expecting 25 points at most.
Very small sample size, but as an 18 year old, having missed most of the season due to shoulder surgery, and jumping straight into playoffs with only one (meaningless) regular season game under his belt, he put up 5 points in 12 games (a 34 point pace)
In the playoffs, he outscored Backlund and Colborne (who most agree had a terrific playoffs).
Start him at center on the third line behind Monahan and Backlund and if he pushes his way up, move him to the wing on Backlund's line. Backlund's line will probably match up with the other team's top lines a lot of the time, so it may be good to ease Bennett into things slowly.
60 games minimum and I don't care about points. A good semi healthy start in his first full pro season is all I want.
I also think he's going to be 2nd line LW for most of the year. There are more established options at center and I think they want Bennett with less responsibility this season.
60 games minimum and I don't care about points. A good semi healthy start in his first full pro season is all I want.
I also think he's going to be 2nd line LW for most of the year. There are more established options at center and I think they want Bennett with less responsibility this season.
I think it will depend on the matchups, but I can agree that we have a few good options at center. I think we will see him throughout the 2nd (LW)/3rd (C)/4th (C) lines, again depending on the matchups.
Keep in mind that Monahan had 34 points his first season, and we considered that to be a great year from him. I'd be happy with anything north of 25 points, 40+ would be a big win.
I was thinking around 50ish points as there is a lot of ice time to share. It did get me thinking though, if he manages to hit 20 goals as a rookie, that would make 3 straight seasons where a rookie gets 20. Doing a quick look, it has only been done once with Pitts (with Malone, Crosby and Malkin). Although the lockout is sandwiched between Malone and Crosby.
He just seems to have no fear, and a tenacious hunger for the puck.
In what was one of his first ever games - a playoff one at that - I love how he was battling in front of the net to key in on the game winner:
I really like that we're in a position where we're not counting on him to contribute significantly next year, but I have a feeling he will. Over a full season I think he's going to make a name for himself around the league.
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Originally Posted by LickTheEnvelope View Post
... Eakins' claims Gagne's line played Kessel's line even...
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Originally Posted by Hells Bells View Post
Yeah, Gagner's line was -4 and Kessel's was +4, so it all evened out.
Original plan is to shelter him on the third line until after 10 games when its so blatantly obvious he (just like first 10 games) is still one of our best forwards and they move him to the second line.
After the playoff games he experienced the first 2/3 of the regular season is going to seem like the OHL.
I would think it will be tough for him to get more than 40 unless they mix up the lines or he gets significant PP time. Those top 3 really hogged all the points last year.
