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One interesting stat that i overheard on the fan a few weeks back was that Sam Bennett (i can't find anything online to back this up) was second on the flames in high danger scoring chances. How he didn't have more to show for it definitely feels like it's a confidence issue for me..... If we see this trend continue, i suppose we can look at his raw skill (shooting, etc) and determine it's not NHL grade, but i don't think that's the problem.
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On one hand, this quote is reassuring. On the other hand, it's quite concerning. The Sam Bennett I've watched for the past few seasons simply doesn't have an elite or even an above average NHL shot/release. Certainly nothing like Monahan or even a guy like Ferland. As such, I have a hard time seeing him even being a regular 20-goal guy, and unless he's able to generate more offence (due to personal improvement and/or a better system/coach), he'll likely max out as an effective a third line winger.
If you need proof, just watch Jankowski's play this year. I don't think his line mates were any better than Sam's, and he -- as a rookie -- was playing center instead of the wing. Yet, look at the kind of goals he was able to snipe, versus the goals that Bennett has scored. I just don't think Sam currently has the tools to be a top-six scoring forward, and for that reason will likely never reach that high potential that we all thought he had. It's unfortunate, but I agree that expectations need to be dropped significantly and if he manages to eventually exceed them, then good on him.