Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
Maybe. but, maybe he's not yet what he'll will be.
There's a lot that can be debated one way or another about Bennett, but I find over assured statements about what he is or isn't as though that defines what he might be as time goes on to be pretty silly. History is full of NHL players who found another level later in their careers.
Derek Ryan wasn't even close to sniffing the NHL at 24.
Sam Bennett has 128 points over 364 games at 24.
Mike Knuble had 103 points over the first 353 games of his career, at age 29. He went on to play 700 more games and add 450 more points.
Whether something is likely or not is one thing. But whatever Sam is now doesn't dictate what he could be.
|
Yeah, there is always examples of late bloomers to reflect on.
Even though he's a Dman, and was never drafted, Gio is a prime example as well. At 24 years old he went and played a year in the KHL. Even when he came back he looked like a serviceable top 4 Dman at most for about 5 seasons, then he just took off as a top 10 Dman in the league at 30 and won the Norris at 35.
Brett Connolly is another guy, drafted 6th overall and never really did much until he was 24/25 and was working on back to back 20 goal, 40+ point seasons. If Bennett could even do that it'd be a nice surprise.
I don't think Bennett will ever take off, but it's certainly possible and I sure hope it happens.