Quote:
Originally Posted by Hackey
I actually think the idea of him going back to junior is the best for him. He will get big minutes and big responsibility there. Feels like we might be putting quite a bit of expectation on him at this point of the season in the NHL. If your gonna transition him into the NHL your probably better off doing it at the start of next season.
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I also think that sending him back to the OHL is a good move this season, and the greedy side of me hopes to save a year on his ELC, but I would rather he do the conditioning games with the Heat and then maybe a few more games with the Flames before he gets sent down. I'm sure the medical staff wouldn't be clearing him for contact if he wasn't 100%.. but if there is any chance of re-injury, I would rather he be with the Flames medical staff than the Kingston medical staff.
On the other hand, there is a good chance that after having months of focused attention from the best support staff he has ever had access to, Bennett should be coming back from this injury in a much better physical condition than he was in the pre-season. If he can show that he can step into the NHL at this point in the season and contribute, then I would happily burn that first year off his ELC and enjoy the extra depth that he would provide (while playing very sheltered minutes).