Bennett was probably always best served with more development time than he ended up having. People in the organization bought into the 4th overall hype and 1st overall ranked scouting reports that ultimately fast tracked him a bit prematurely, when he probably should have only now just broken into the league. He had flashes like young kids do but he wasn't consistent or disciplined enough for 82 game NHL seasons, yet was put in that position anyway. So we got what was probably expected given the context. In the process confidence was definitely hindered at times, sometimes greatly. This is one instance where I think the Flames "oilered" a young player by putting him right in before he was ripe. Which is fine l because we haven't done that much.
Hopefully some good teachers behind the bench can help him fill in the gaps in his game that are keeping him from being consistent and effective enough to be a real producer. Due to the circumstance though I wouldn t read too much into his point production so far. The next couple seasons will be much more reflective of the potential of Sam Bennett and whether he has another gear in him.
|