I think confidence is huge with Bennett.
We have seen both sides of what Bennett can be. When he is playing confidently, he makes stuff happen out there. I do think that he still could be a center - you do see him make some really good passes when he actually gets good linemates - just watch him work with Gaudreau for proof of that.
The problem with Bennett from what I see is not that he is stupid. It is when he is not feeling confident, he tries to make up for it with doing more things. He simply tries to do too much out there, and this is when he starts taking penalties.
He had a long stretch where he didn't take a single penalty. Then he takes a bunch. I haven't checked, but I bet it is roughly inversely related to his production.
I think you don't give up on Bennett. He is a complete bulldog out there that is difficult to play against, and just battles. You never have to tell the kid to play harder.
I think Hartley in some ways was generally better with younger guys as he would not only yell, but coddle as well (lots of examples).
I think the new coach will have to come in and spend some time with Bennett, and give him more opportunities to build on his confidence. His development arc could be more like Brayden Schenn. It just sometimes takes a while longer for some guys.
The Yakupov comparisons is completely laughable though. Yeah, Yak put up some points, but what else did he do? Right now, Bennett is doing everything BUT put up points. He is so 'coachable'. His defensive game is a wonderful arc right now. His physicality is way better than I thought he would be. His forecheck/board-work/cycle game is probably the best on the Flames (and that is saying a lot with Ferland and Tkachuk).
Trade Bennett now, and the Flames will be embarrassed in the long run. Bennett is just going to take some time (and hopefully a coach that realizes he needs players that play at pace on his line that can also makes plays at pace). I don't mind Hathaway, but he is a 4th liner that can't really make plays. Brouwer can't play with speed. Janko is a rookie - so you have two guys figuring out their game in the NHL - you either need to put a RW'er on that line that is already really good, or just put Foo on that line (speed and skill) and shelter that line while providing them with good opportunities.
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