I really don't think the Flames can tell their highest pick in franchise history - and one that looked very good in the preseason - that they have already decided to send him back to junior. Would Bennett feel slighted? If I was him, I would. You also have to keep in mind the culture that the Flames have been trying to build - "Always earned, never given". You just have to allow someone to earn a place on the team - especially (once again) the highest pick in franchise history.
I think the Flames will (or have started to) evaluate him in practice. If he does well there, he gets to go to the AHL on a conditioning stint. If he does well there, he gets to play a game in the NHL. If he does well, he gets another, and another until the 9 game mark. At that time the Flames will make the decision. If he fails at any point - from practice, or in the AHL, or in NHL action - he gets sent back to the OHL.
I think the optics and message that they would want to send Bennett is that he at least deserves the chance - like any other rookie - to compete for a roster spot. I think he will have to convincingly out-perform some existing players in order to make the team, not just be 'adequate'. I think that Treliving would prefer to send him down - that is probably the 'easy and safe' choice. I just think that you have to at least allow him to compete - and I also think that putting him in one or two NHL games, even with sheltered minutes, can help his development once they decide to send him down. A first-hand taste of the NHL pace I think goes a long way.
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