Quote:
Originally Posted by gvitaly
Everyone hold on just a second! What makes everyone think he will be an immediate contributor at the NHL level? I realize that Bennett has shown great character and attitude so far combined with a couple good months in junior, but he was far from amazing during the training camp.
In Penticton he played quite well posting 1G 2A in 3GP, but that was playing other prospects. During the training camp in 3GP he posted 2A and he was a -1. He was far from dominant, aside from the one game against Van where he had 7 shots and 2 hits, aside from the helper.
I don't criticize Bennett, and I think he will be a great prospect. I just don't expect him to be a game changer right from the get go. He is already over hyped in Calgary because of his draft position, but bringing him to the Flames right now could be setting him up to fail. *cough* *cough* Baertschi anyone? He was a great contributor in his first couple of games, and now what. It all depends on Bennett's character, and I doubt it will be a problem... I just think that everyone needs to take a deep breath and stop looking at Bennett as god's savior for a while.
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Bennett was the best player on the ice in his opening preseason game. You also realize he performed in training camp and Penticton with a bum shoulder right?
He might not produce right away but watching this team they need a spark and he has the potential to provide it. Perhaps he will be like Johnny and take a while to find his game at the NHL level or maybe he will be like Monahan or Sven and score in bunches in his first few games?
Ice the best roster possible right now. The style Bennett plays could be infectious and run off on his line mates and spark a line other than the top line.