Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
He is on the lower end of points on your scale and takes some of, if not the most minors of anyone in a similar spot. In my opinion he is a below average 3rd liner and more realistically a 4th line player. If he can cut his pims in half and maintain 26 points he'll be an effective 3rd liner.
On this flames roster he is a 4th liner.
But that's just it, isn't it? His production declines as the quality of his minutes decline, and his minutes decline because there have been successively better options in the lineup to produce in a per minute basis without penalties. His 18 goal season had him averaging something like a minute more per game on the PP than last year. Does he have any shot of that this year with Calgary's massively improved top 6?
For me, the time to trade Bennett for value has passed, but I am not suggesting waving him. I'm fine with a Bennett who scores 20 points, gets paid sub 2 mil and kills penalties as long as he isn't hurting the team with pims.
If he can't cut the minors he takes in half then I don't know if there is a place for him on the roster, even in a 4th line role. guys nipping at his heels offer the potential for similar offensive production without being down a man.
|
He may get pushed out for sure. But his rates last year were actually better than his rookie season, his finishing hasn't.
Timbit said this the other day. The kid just may be a sports psychologist or a week of good bounces away from getting his head in the right spot to make a big move. Or he may suffer from confidence issues for his whole career.
Rates ... Rookie vs 2017-18
Shot attempts per 60:
2015-16 54.5
2017-18 64.2
Up 17%
Scoring Chances per 60:
2015-16 26.8
2017-18 30.0
Up 11%
High Danger Attempts per 60:
2015-16 10.4
2017-18 12.7
Up 21%
And I think Treliving knows this and won't move the kid before these numbers settle one way or the other.
On the team last year Bennett's rankings were ...
CF/60:
8th / 6th for forwards
SCF60:
7th / 5th for forwards
HDCF60:
7th / 5th for forwards
So sorry .. the story of Bennett's demise isn't accurate. His production and finish is a concern, but the guy is creating.