[JJFlash]

Originally Posted by 868904

I really want Bennett to succeed and I am definitely not a Gulutzan supporter (bring back Darryl!), but I don't know that Bennett is really any better than Ferland.

Sure he was selected higher in the draft, but from what I've seen, Ferland is just as skilled as Bennett and his production has been on par if not better.

Bennett put up a ton of points in junior? Guess what, so did Ferland.

What skill does Bennett have that is greater than Ferland?

Skating - probably a wash
Puck handling - a wash
Passing - I give to Ferland
Playmaking - a wash
Shot - Ferland hands down
Hockey Sense - i'd give the edge to Ferland

Ferland gets very underrated on this board. I think skill wise, he's one of the top players on the Flames, his problem is consistency. If all goes well, I see Ferland topping out as a Todd Bertuzzi type,who faced the same consistency issues in New York before realizing his potential in Vancouver.

I really don't see a whole lot of elite skill in Bennett, but I see a super competitive nature. If all goes well, I see Bennett topping out as a Mike Fisher type.

Bennett is living off of his high draft status right now. I'm coming to the conclusion that his high point totals in junior were the result of his highly competitive nature being significantly greater than other junior players, not necessarily him being more skilled.

And i'm not a Bennett hater, i want to see him stay as a Flames, even if all he becomes is a Mike Fisher.

I like the comparisons. Ferland is very much like a Bertuzzi. I am still not sure what we have in Bennett but if he tops out as a Fischer then that would be fine. I would say Bennett is a more explosive skater and better defensively but Ferland has a more complete game. I think Bennett is built for the playoffs but we have to get there to see his full value. Ferland can be a difference maker in the playoffs. I think Bennett gets in his own head but GG has not helped.