Quote:
Originally Posted by calgaryblood
The same people defending Bennett for his garbage play were defending Colborne as well.
And then when he didn't sign with the Flames they kept defending him saying Flames couldn't afford him...then he went on waivers and nobody picked him up and then silence. He's now in the AHL.
Criticism sometimes is absolutely warranted. Would be nice if some could actually do that instead of looking like they are the PR team for the Flames.
|
I'm defending Bennett, and I never liked Colborne - so was this directed at me? Because it would seem so, as you've taken issue with me being patient with player development before.
Criticism is warranted, patience should also be allowed. Expecting everyone to "wow" right away is a fool's errand. We've been lucky in that we found two #6 overall picks that walked right into the NHL (speaks to the depth of those draft years, and luck). Outside of that? Gaudreau spend significant time developing away from the NHL, as did Jankowski. We also shouldn't forget that Monahan has protected in his first year, and then moved up to playing with Gaudreau in his 2nd year. Tkachuk is having plenty of success as part of a line that Bennett also had plenty of success with. The team, in Bennett's 2nd year, asked him to be the center piece of the 3rd line and carry the load alone - meanwhile Tkachuk still gets to benefit by playing with very good linemates. This can't be ignored. It's fair to wish for more from Bennett, and I do, but I'm also not going to ignore the circumstances surrounding his position on the team. Should he be a winger? Well, moving him to the wing on the 3rd line so..Stajan can play centre on that line? That makes no sense. Right now I think the team should be focusing on building that 3rd line, not just letting Bennett rot on it alone. If it means Jankowski coming up to the NHL and playing on that 3rd line with Bennett? Cool, that sounds awesome.
Backlund was pushed into the NHL at a young age, and it took him a long, long time develop into what he is today (a cornerstone defensive centre). There was a lot of impatience show towards him around here - including from me. Watching Backlund develop into what he has become though was a lesson learned. Player development at the NHL level can take time, and if the player has the raw skill and work ethic, then it's going to be worth it. I believe Bennett is worth it.