Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
I guess this argument is good for business, but it really kills me how polar people tend to be.
I'm on the back to junior side as what I think will happen, but I sure hope to hell the Flames management isn't as close minded as some people in this narrative about player decisions. You can't have a rule, each player is different and a decision should be made based on each and every case.
The Flames have never drafted a guy higher. He was looking good enough to get the 9 game trial in September when he went down. He's now back and repaired. All that says take a look at him which I'm is exactly what they're doing now.
I don't blame Flame fans for wanting to see the shiny new toy, that's what being a fan is all about.
But the Flames are equally stupid to have their minds made up that he's staying or he's going. You can't just have a blanket rule based on his age, or the surgery. He was sent to the NHL shoulder guy, so you have to assume he's good to go. Strength tests would back that up.
Watch him in practice. Take it to contact drills. If he still looks good then send him to the AHL on the conditioning stint. If he still looks good bring him up and play him in one NHL game. If he still looks good tick him towards the 9 and then make a call.
That's a lot of road to pass without a bump so I think he goes back to the OHL, but I'm guessing they haven't already made the call on sending him down like many of you have.
Its a business. If it doesn't hurt his development and he's better than other options now you keep him.
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How dare you be reasonable? I'm sure the site owner only created this place so people can argue extreme cases...
I too agree that Bennett's development is not going to suffer if he goes back to the OHL to start and finish up his season. However, as you mentioned it shouldn't be an open and shut case. If he is ready for the NHL, and he is going to contribute to helping the team's playoff push then why not let him stay up? They way they have handled a lot of their youth recently give me confidence that they'll make the correct decision for Bennett.
If he sticks in the NHL he isn't going to jump right into 1st line center roll. He is going to earn it. How will he earn it? By playing well in sheltered roles and forcing Hartley to give him more responsibility.
People need to ensure that they're not impatient to see what he can do at the NHL level. If it happens it happens. If he goes down to junior, then that' is where he needs to be. The Flames played it cautiously with Monahan and I don't think they'll be any different with Bennett.