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Calgary4LIfe · 12-14-2019, 11:49 AM

I would love nothing more than to see Bennett being utilized in the top 6 for a stretch of 15-20 games and see how he grows. If not, then as a #3 centre for that same stretch of games WITH some players that have skill and can play at some pace.

I also think that some of his poor penalties can probably be attributed to him trying to do too much physically and defensively - probably the pressure from trying to be a difference maker.

Bennett often shows an impressive amount of skill - not just his 4 goal game. He is the 2nd best puck carrying forward on the team next to Gaudreau (as evidenced by how he matches Gaudreau in the skills competition). I see him make some really good passes now and then, and then his line mates (Neal, Brouwer, etc) don't or just can't make use of it. Then he shares the ice with Monahan and/or Gaudreau, and suddenly those quick passes connect for a goal, and for some reason, he ends up moving to a different line.

I would really like to see him play for a good length of time with some talent in a scoring role. He was highly touted coming out of junior, he plays with a tonne of grit, and he does exhibit a high-level of skill in his game which is underutilized. I really think that Hartley is the only coach that positively impacted his development.

Now, Bennett might remain *THIS* underwhelming given his draft position - some of the negative posts regarding him might turn out to be right. I would just love to see Ward give him a long look in a more offensive capacity WITH some decently skilled players to see how (or even if) he improves and shows some development. I like Dube and Mangiapane, but IMO this franchise desperately needs Bennett to work out - not just because of his draft pedigree and the overall investment into that selection, but because he can inject 'toughness and grit' into the most important area of the team - the top 6. Top 6 players who are tough as nails AND can produce are so very valuable. I would love to see this team try and give him a really positive development opportunity.

12-14-2019, 11:49 AM	#79
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I would love nothing more than to see Bennett being utilized in the top 6 for a stretch of 15-20 games and see how he grows. If not, then as a #3 centre for that same stretch of games WITH some players that have skill and can play at some pace. I also think that some of his poor penalties can probably be attributed to him trying to do too much physically and defensively - probably the pressure from trying to be a difference maker. Bennett often shows an impressive amount of skill - not just his 4 goal game. He is the 2nd best puck carrying forward on the team next to Gaudreau (as evidenced by how he matches Gaudreau in the skills competition). I see him make some really good passes now and then, and then his line mates (Neal, Brouwer, etc) don't or just can't make use of it. Then he shares the ice with Monahan and/or Gaudreau, and suddenly those quick passes connect for a goal, and for some reason, he ends up moving to a different line. I would really like to see him play for a good length of time with some talent in a scoring role. He was highly touted coming out of junior, he plays with a tonne of grit, and he does exhibit a high-level of skill in his game which is underutilized. I really think that Hartley is the only coach that positively impacted his development. Now, Bennett might remain THIS underwhelming given his draft position - some of the negative posts regarding him might turn out to be right. I would just love to see Ward give him a long look in a more offensive capacity WITH some decently skilled players to see how (or even if) he improves and shows some development. I like Dube and Mangiapane, but IMO this franchise desperately needs Bennett to work out - not just because of his draft pedigree and the overall investment into that selection, but because he can inject 'toughness and grit' into the most important area of the team - the top 6. Top 6 players who are tough as nails AND can produce are so very valuable. I would love to see this team try and give him a really positive development opportunity.