Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Sam Bennett at center

Lanny_McDonald · 08-25-2020, 07:56 AM

What the team believes - and what that is ultimately determines the outcome - that Sam Bennett is more the player we see for an abbreviated period during the post season, or the player we see during the regular season, then the decision is easy. Bennett has shown that he might be able to contribute in the third line center role (with Lucic taking the draws). He does not have the offensive upside or talent to play in the top six, and definitely does not have the ability to win a faceoff when it matters, so his effectiveness is limited to that crash and bang role. That means he can't replace Monahan in any shape or fashion. If the team believes that they need to improve on Monahan, then the natural target is Backlund for replacement. He has a fairly hefty salary that is not suited for the third line. He also doesn't have that offensive consistency to be the second line guy. So if Bennett is the answer to a question, it is the third line. That is where he can re-invent himself and contribute to winner. Anything higher is people really kidding themselves. Again, this is all on what the team believes. They have to weigh his history and his performance to determine the length of rope they are willing to give him. They've seen this movie before, so I think if they have any optimism it is well guarded.

Just a reminder of a major deficiency for Bennett. Faceoff winning percentages in his 9 games of awesomeness. 28.3% OZ, 50.0% NZ, 46.2 DZ For comparison, Monahan: 59.3% OZ, 51.9% NZ, 57.1 DZ. Lucic: 72.2% OZ, 33.3% NZ, 87.5 DZ.

08-25-2020, 07:56 AM	#86
Lanny_McDonald Franchise Player Join Date: Mar 2013 Exp:	What the team believes - and what that is ultimately determines the outcome - that Sam Bennett is more the player we see for an abbreviated period during the post season, or the player we see during the regular season, then the decision is easy. Bennett has shown that he might be able to contribute in the third line center role (with Lucic taking the draws). He does not have the offensive upside or talent to play in the top six, and definitely does not have the ability to win a faceoff when it matters, so his effectiveness is limited to that crash and bang role. That means he can't replace Monahan in any shape or fashion. If the team believes that they need to improve on Monahan, then the natural target is Backlund for replacement. He has a fairly hefty salary that is not suited for the third line. He also doesn't have that offensive consistency to be the second line guy. So if Bennett is the answer to a question, it is the third line. That is where he can re-invent himself and contribute to winner. Anything higher is people really kidding themselves. Again, this is all on what the team believes. They have to weigh his history and his performance to determine the length of rope they are willing to give him. They've seen this movie before, so I think if they have any optimism it is well guarded. Just a reminder of a major deficiency for Bennett. Faceoff winning percentages in his 9 games of awesomeness. 28.3% OZ, 50.0% NZ, 46.2 DZ For comparison, Monahan: 59.3% OZ, 51.9% NZ, 57.1 DZ. Lucic: 72.2% OZ, 33.3% NZ, 87.5 DZ. Last edited by Lanny_McDonald; 08-25-2020 at 08:02 AM.