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Originally Posted by djsFlames
I know the drills and scrimmages aren't the best indicator but I don't think Bennett is ready, whereas Gaureau I think is. Gaudreau and Klimchuk were good measuring sticks in this camp for Bennett (as both have higher ceilings), and I think both were better than Bennett through the sample size we got. That's no slight on Bennett, it's merely his first camp and by the scouts it sounded like he was the least NHL ready of the top 4. We'll see in the fall but I'm not sure he even gets 9 games with the competition there that'll be on the fringe to make it.
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I wouldn't say Bennett looked ready from what I saw in the scrimmages. I did think he looked like the most gifted talent there other than Gaudreau.
In the last scrimmage there was a glimpse of Bennett's tenacity and competitive drive when he single-handedly fought through 3 red team defencemen to generate a half-scoring chance. A semi-competitive scrimmage isn't the place where Sam Bennett wins a place on the team. He'll get a good long look in September when he can show everyone just how hard he works and how strong-willed he is. Kid plays for keeps.
For many reasons I believe it would serve the franchise and the player best if he went back to the OHL. I don't expect Bennett to make it an easy decision for anyone, though.
Klimchuk is an interesting case because I feel he's been largely out of the limelight until recently. I would fully expect him to tear up the WHL as a 19 year old. Depends on if his supporting cast improves this season, I guess.
I think we can look forward to both Bennett and Klimchuk at the World Juniors, regardless of how they do in September.
Gaudreau? He looked like he could be the shiftiest, most skillful Flames player I've seen since Theo. Must keep in mind that he was playing against kids out there, but I can't imagine a scenario where he's not up with the big club by Christmas.