Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
I'm not advocating top six minutes. Nor am I in the team blew it in developing camp.
But Bennett hasn't really had any time with high end wingers playing center. Most of time up the roster was with Backlund in his rookie year, and on his off side with Gaudreau and Monahan from time to time.
If we're going to suggest the playoffs and ten games is too small a sample size, there certainly isn't a lot of data to suggest he can't be a top six center because we haven't seen it.
With that said ... I'm just happy the guy looked more like the OHL Bennett in the playoffs, and I hope that can continue a bit into a regular season. Certainly not advocating a move up the roster, nor am I digging into a spread sheet.
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But 4 coaches Bingo....5 seasons....hundreds of practices. All indicate that he is what he is, which is fine. 10 games in the post season don't just erase all that.
Im with you though, glad to see him contributing like he did, i just dont expect it to continue on a regular basis...hence why he should not play higher up in the roster. I think he still has to prove he can even play C on a regular basis higher than the 4th line.
Right now, and using his entire body of work since he was drafted, he is a decent 3rd line RW or 4th line C. Thats ok...need those guys on every team. I just dont understand the ability of some to completely ignore what is and has been, and pencil him in as a 1st or 2nd line C. Thats the Oileresque part of things in my eyes.
If he can earn himself better minutes and position among the forward raks...awesome and what a win for the club. Im just not expecting that to happen nor am I sure he is able.
What would a good season from him be?
10 G 20 A if they play 82? As well as a continuation of slowing down with the offensive zone penalties?
I'll take that. Anything more would be gravy IMO.