Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbsy
I think if the flames plan is to have him develop on the 3rd line with a rookie C and some grinder on rw, then they might as well give up on him and trade him for whatever.
I thought he looked amazing after being moved to wing and having jagr on his line. At some point he seems to have lost any and all confidence.
Either play him in the top 6 with high skill players to get him going or ship him out.
He's not good enough to carry his own line in the nhl yet. It's taking the flames forever to figure out that whatever they think they are doing to develop Bennett is failing.
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You bring up a good point. If there's anything that is 'unfair' in regard to Bennetts development it is that he hasn't had the privileg/benefit of a linemate(s) that can shelter him a bit since his rookie year. It's also worth pointing out that Gulutzan's managing the line up (at least at even strengt, pp another story for another thread) as best he can. The first two lines are doing what they should/need to do most of the time. They're fine.
The Flames need to find a guy who can compliment Bennett, and it doesn't appear that they have that internally. I don't see any other way things are going to work in Calgary for Bennett. The Flames either need to find a center or a rw who can slot into their third line and take some of the weight off him.
That or move on and trade the kid. It would be better for the player and the organization, because proceeding with the current situation seems to be toxic. I'm sure part of the issue here is frustration must be building on Bennett's side.