Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Flames are committed to keeping Sam Bennett at centre

MisterJoji · 02-10-2017, 07:26 PM

What stood out to me is the reminder that this kid is still only 20 years old. It's hard not to become overzealous in expectation given those who have come into the league and were an immediate star at 20 years old. Crosby, McDavid, Toews, Kopitar, Stamkos, Bergeron, Malkin ... there are a few. But there is also a long list of top quality centers that needed a few years before reaching their full potential.

Ryan Getzlaf: didn't have his breakout season until he was 23 and had 39 points his 20 year old season.

Joe Thornton: didn't really explode until he was 24 and had 41 points in his 20 year old season.

Eric Staal: didn't break out until age 22 and had 31 points in his 20 year old season.

Vlad Tarasenko: didn't make an impact until he was 24 and scored 9 points in 15 games as a 20 year old (KHL).

Claude Giroux: didn't break out until age 23, had 27 points as a 20 year old and then 47 as a 21 year old.

Pavel Datsyuk: didn't make his debut in the NHL until 23 (scored 35 points) and didn't really make an impact until 2 years later.

Aside from Datsyuk every other player was also a first round pick ranging from 1-22. There's still a chasm of development left for Bennett but you can see glimpses of his raw skill. Look how long it took Backlund to be a full time top 6 player. Anyone wanting to trade Bennett now is crazy, barring a ridiculous return.

02-10-2017, 07:26 PM	#7
MisterJoji Franchise Player Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: The toilet of Alberta : Edmonton Exp:	What stood out to me is the reminder that this kid is still only 20 years old. It's hard not to become overzealous in expectation given those who have come into the league and were an immediate star at 20 years old. Crosby, McDavid, Toews, Kopitar, Stamkos, Bergeron, Malkin ... there are a few. But there is also a long list of top quality centers that needed a few years before reaching their full potential. Ryan Getzlaf: didn't have his breakout season until he was 23 and had 39 points his 20 year old season. Joe Thornton: didn't really explode until he was 24 and had 41 points in his 20 year old season. Eric Staal: didn't break out until age 22 and had 31 points in his 20 year old season. Vlad Tarasenko: didn't make an impact until he was 24 and scored 9 points in 15 games as a 20 year old (KHL). Claude Giroux: didn't break out until age 23, had 27 points as a 20 year old and then 47 as a 21 year old. Pavel Datsyuk: didn't make his debut in the NHL until 23 (scored 35 points) and didn't really make an impact until 2 years later. Aside from Datsyuk every other player was also a first round pick ranging from 1-22. There's still a chasm of development left for Bennett but you can see glimpses of his raw skill. Look how long it took Backlund to be a full time top 6 player. Anyone wanting to trade Bennett now is crazy, barring a ridiculous return. __________________ "Illusions Michael, tricks are something a wh*re does for money ....... or cocaine"