Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaudfather
Flames fans have been a bit spoiled by recent examples such as Monahan and Tkachuk where 18 year olds were able to play meaningful roles with the team from the get go. The more usual development process is more like 3-4 years to really learn and adjust to the NHL game. Bennett is on track and I would expect a meaningful step up in his impact in another year or two.
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I think it's important to note *why* those two players are exceptional: they both came into the league physically matured (a filled out adult body), and both have exceptional mental stability. For Monahan, it's that "boring" personality where he doesn't get high or low, but just even. For Tkachuk it's living and breathing pro hockey almost his entire life through his NHL father.
It took a while for Backlund to be as physically strong as he is now, and it took a while for him to handle the psychological side of the game. For Sam he still needs to fill out physically, and I think there's been great progress in how he thinks the game (slick junior moves single-handed won't work on NHL defensemen).