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Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Well Domi couldn't hit double digit goals either of the last two seasons. If he was our prospect many would be proclaiming him a bust much like they've done with Bennett. Actually Domi and Bennett have a lot of similarities in their NHL career so far. Both had their best season as a rookie and took steps back since then.
Bleak though? Where's the patience people? In the grand scheme of things Bennett has barely started his NHL career. And he missed almost an entire season due to shoulder surgery post-draft. How quickly people forget his 18 goal rookie year and the potential he showed then. It didn't evaporate. Yes, he's struggled but GG didn't necessarily put him in the greatest positions to achieve offensive success and confidence. And when young offensive players lose confidence their whole game can go to crap. Let's see Bennett under Peters before we write him off.
Things aren't looking bleak yet for Bennett. That's putting too much stock into his recent play and not enough of a view of his entire career. It isn't always just about trends and the last season or two. Bennett was one of the most skilled players in the world at his age in his draft year. At age 19 he scored almost 20 goals as a rookie. Don't let his struggles the last couple years erase your memory of that. Plenty of time for him to regain his offensive confidence and find his NHL groove.
Bennett is 21 guys, about to turn 22. Many players don't even make the NHL before that age. To think he doesn't have room for massive improvement still would be crazy. He's basically still at the dawn of his NHL career. As is Domi. Both players will still probably turn out just fine. I'm not just a Flames homer in this arena, I think its dangerous to write off super skilled young players like Bennett, Domi or even Puljujarvi up north.
Things aren't bleak for Bennett. I know everyone wanted instant success but it doesn't always work out that way for every player. Some players struggle early for various reasons but it doesn't mean their upside and potential has evaporated or disappeared.
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What would you have to see (or not see) from Bennett this year that would make you think twice about his potential? What are your expectations for him in his 5th season?