Quote:
Originally Posted by MisterJoji
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.
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Now some actual facts.
Ryan Getzlaf:
In his first year (age = 20) had 39 points in 57 games. Next year (age = 21) he had 58 in 82.
0.7 ppg in first 2 years.
http://www.hockey-reference.com/play...getzlry01.html
Joe Thornton:
Age 18: 55 Games: 7 Points
Age 19: 81 Games: 41 Points
Age 20: 81 Games: 60 Points
Age 21: 72 Games: 71 Points
By his 3rd full season, he was a ppg.
http://www.hockey-reference.com/play...thornjo01.html
Eric Staal:
In his rookie year he had 31 points as a 20 year old.
In his 2nd season he had 100 points as a 21 year old.
http://www.hockey-reference.com/play...staaler01.html
Vlad Tarasenko:
First full NHL season at age 22, he had 43 points in 64 games.
Second full season at age 23, he had 73 points in 77, including 37 goals.
http://www.hockey-reference.com/play...tarasvl01.html
Claude Giroux:
First Half Season: Age: 21, Games: 42, Points: 27
First Full Season: Age: 22, Games 82, Points: 47
Second Full Season: Age: 23, Games 82, Points: 76
http://www.hockey-reference.com/play...giroucl01.html
Backlund took 7-8 years to become what he is. Good luck to anyone who wants to wait that long.
Sam Bennett:
First Full Season: Age 19, Games: 77, Points: 36
Second Full Season: Age 20, Games: 55, Points 20
http://www.hockey-reference.com/play...bennesa01.html
Basically you tried to move numbers around in order justify his horrendous play all season. The guys you listed were trending upwards and becoming stars. Bennett looks nothing more then a 3rd liner at best right now.
Forget points from all these players. If you honestly think Bennett has played remotely well at anytime this season then you're lying to yourself. 20 year old yada yada yada excuses...this is a league where every year younger guys are coming in playing well, he is expected to do the same, now would be the time to start.
I sure as hell hope he can figure it out otherwise what a wasted pick.