I don't think it is that rare for a kid in junior to 'graduate' into the NHL at the end of the season/playoffs. I would bet that the Flames assign him to Calgary and not Adirondack. If Calgary was out of it, and Adirondack was in, then I would guess Adirondack.
Bennett isn't coming in 'cold'. Sure, this stretch is hard for anyone to come into - it has been pretty much playoff hockey for a little while on at least most nights. However, it isn't like he is cold - he has been playing good minutes (but not 40!) against the toughest competition in junior. I can't think of a better scenario in which to acclimate Bennett into the NHL. He will be sheltered.
Defensively I don't think he will be atrocious. Bennett has 3 things going for him - really smart player, blazing speed and that beautiful non-stop motor. He will make mistakes out there, but at least you can bet that he will at least pressure the other team constantly when he is out there. That can spark a team.
Yes, the NHL is a totally different animal than Junior. However, there have been loads of players that make their pro debuts at the end of an NHL regular season, or even in the playoffs. It isn't that unheard of. Bennett definitely has the relative luxury of getting a good amount of playing time in without being all exhausted and battered after a long season as well.
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