From the McKenzie interview:
Quote:
The concept of performance dictating play isn't something that will die with his goalies. Of that, Treliving is adamant and it will determine whether or not some of his prized young players will make Bob Hartley's squad. At the top of that list sits Sam Bennett. Taken fourth-overall in this past summer's NHL Entry Draft, Bennett could leap right into the NHL, much like Sean Monahan did last season with the Flames. Taken sixth-overall in 2013, Monahan scored 20 goals in his rookie campaign.
For his part, Treliving is quick to point out that the circumstances of the pair aren't identical, but that Bennett certainly could be playing in the NHL this season.
"The quick answer is yes," Treliving said as to whether or not Bennett has a real shot.
"We spoke to our young guys the last couple of days and the message is, when you're 27th in the league, I don't think there are any spots that are locked up," explained Treliving. "Having said that, we've been honest and very open about it. I think the fact that Sean's rookie season is so fresh in everybody's mind in Calgary, there's some distinctive differences when you look at the two players. Obviously, age. There's almost a year's difference from where Sean was last time and where Sam is this year.
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Clearly it's too early to get worked up about decisions that haven't been met yet, but statements like this and "This will be the most competitive camp in Flames history" do raise expectations that some veterans will be on the bubble.