Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
I don’t agree with this at all. Simon, Nordstrom etc are not pushing Bennett to the press box. I doubt any of the young players make the team any way. I would be surprised if we ever see Sam Bennett as a healthy scratch
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Here's why I think this is good possibility. Sam Bennett is a complimentary piece to the pairs the coaching staff have put together. So far in his career Sam Bennett has been incapable of finding consistent success on any line because he can't play a complimentary style to the players he gets played with. Just like Mangipane surpassed Bennett in the pecking order for ice time I fully expect Dube to do the same this year. Dube is just too skilled and uses his linemates well to be stuck on the lower lines. Conversely, the team has brought in a number of players who can also be good complimentary players, and yes, Leivo, Simon, and even Nordstrom have the potential to push Sam Bennett and his 12 points from last season to the pressbox. Leivo looks to be a player that will be given opportunity to do so as well, seeing as they told him they wanted him to come in and play an offensive role. Simon and Nordstrom have the advantage of being able to play in other roles, something Sam Bennett can't do. Without even considering what a player like Pelletier or Zary could do given opportunity there are enough bodies to make Bennett a spectator. If Bennett comes out and stinks up the joint like he did last season, and is not contributing in any meaningful way, he'll be bounced. Too many good players on the roster to have a negative drag out on the ice. It's up to Bennett to perform otherwise someone will be stealing his position and lunch money on him. It's "Playoff Sam" or its someone else in the lineup.