I agree that it didn't hurt his development, in fact I believe he is a much better player today, this season, then he would have been if he returned to junior.
This is a catch 22, if you don't give the guys experience, how will they ever experience the rigors of the nhl for a whole season? I have no issues with how he was sheltered, no matter if a rookie comes in at age 22 or 18, you shelter them until they can handle themselves.
I don't care about burning 1 year of his ELC, it was worth it with him, not for everyone, but for Monahan it was not a mistake. Bennett will likely don the flames uniform this season (if rehab goes well) and likely won't be sent down and I am ok with that. As long as he can excel with the sheltered time he is on the ice and can gain valuable experience at the NHL level, I have no issue with that.
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