Quote:
Originally Posted by IgiTang
He received the kind that stunted his development at Center by moving him to the wing for one.. he’s way to young for anyone to say he himself failed to become a Center because he was drafted #4 overall as a Center. Obviously he excelled at Center at some point. So what changed? The only other influencer on his development at Center other than his own desire was??... that’s right!!! Coaching!!!
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What nonsense.
Who stunted his growth? If I'm not mistaken his best season was on the wing under Hartley. He was then moved to center to start last season with Tkachuck and Brouwer on what was supposed to be the second line. When it became evident a change was needed Tkachuck was moved to play the M&M, versteeg took Tkachuck's place. The rest is history there.
Versteeg-Bennett-Brouwer struggled despite reasonably easy circumstances. It was fairly apparent versteeg was the stabilizing presence on that line. The following year Zbennett once again started at his presumed position, C. How did that turn out? 0 pts 15 games. Pretty much a disaster. The Flames desperately wanted Sam to succeed at C. He couldn't. They had to move home to the wing after a season & a half of nothing but patience.
So where are we now? After a spurt of life Sam has settled into being invisible. (As I type this he scores). Nevertheless, two of his seven goals were 'let's just throw this at the net and see what happens'. It's completely reasonable to question whether not not he can even become an effective 3rd line winger opposed to the first, of strong 2nd, line center he was drafted to be.
For the record, I would love to see Bennett become a significant player on this team. But suggesting his lack of success is due to the coaching staff is just foolishness.