Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
Your last line kind of says it all.
The organizational failing is what plagued the development of both Baertschi and Bennett. They happened in different ways because players are different, but the root cause is the same: As prospects, they were both on an island.
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The organization has to take some responsibility, I do believe they miscalculated in thinking Bennett was ready to handle the transition to center, which was probably too much on his plate (too soon). I also wonder if Tkachuk had been saddled with Brouwer during his development if he would be having some of the same issues? If anything Tkachuk might not have been as effective; Part of being an antagonist is especially effective in the role that he plays with Backlund and Frolik. Tkachuk flourishes with confidence and might not have handled the transition as well developing with less skilled players. Playing with Backlund and Frolik has helped Tkachuk play more to his strengths.
Therein lies the problem; In hindsight Bennett probably should have spent time one of the top 2 lines in the minors and then continued his development from there. His time on the 3rd line really has not allowed him to play to his strengths and like Tkachuk he needs to play with skilled players. Agree rewarding players top line minutes is not the best way to develop them, Tkachuk was very lucky to have the benefit of being sheltered on that second line.