Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
The problem with this narrative is that the underlying metrics have, for the most part, been rather good for Bennett. It hasn't been for Neal.
He might regress to his 'usual self' or he might just end up being a really good player. One of these statements will end up being correct. I don't think his production is going to remain at this level, but I do think he will be productive.
There were plenty of angry people after Savard was traded. Not so much for St. Louis who never really got an opportunity here to see what 'may be one day'. I am not angry about the trade, and I don't see it as the Flames losing or winning anything in the future based on Bennett's production.
The one thing that I have always taken issue is how he has been managed here. Hartley had him on the right path. Gulutzan comes in and seemingly threw a wrench into the whole works. Bennett should have started that season as the third line centre playing with Tkachuk and a vet like Versteeg that year, and Jagr the next. Tkachuk - Bennett should probably have been a thing. Would it have worked for sure? I don't know, but it makes no sense not to have tried it back then.
Hartley had Gaudreau-Monahan together in Monahan's second season (and Gaudreau's first), paired with a good vet (Hudler). Monahan's first year, Hartley tried pairing him with Baertschi too, but Baerstchi sucks.
X-Backlund-Frolik would have been solid no matter what. Tkachuk - Bennett - X should have been a logical pairing in my mind, but it was never tried.
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I have a feeling Bennett lost confidence and dialed it out here the same thing we are seeing with Tkachuk. Tkachuk is definitely a lot better than he is showing. Will be interesting and fun to watch what Bennett does on his new team. The Flames definitely may have to rethink how to get the most out of these young guys.