[Mathgod]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

You know, I have to say something here:

All this talk about Bennett being mishandled by the Flames may have merit, but sometimes #### just happens and you can't be mad about how it works out.

You think the Lightning are mad at letting Carter Verhaeghe go for nothing? You think they're having a massive internal audit about their player development? I know, they simply didn't have a roster spot for him, but still, I doubt they're losing much sleep over it.

What about the multiple teams that had Duclair, it didn't work out there, and he moved on? You think NYR, Arizona, Chicago, Columbus, and Ottawa ALL mishandled him and regret letting him go?

I'm just saying, sometimes a guy pops in the right place and time. You have to evaluate players on what they do for you, and for sure, Sam Bennett didn't do enough with the Flames.

I also believe that he needed some better opportunities, but it is really hard to justify it for a guy having several seasons in a row of 25-30 points. At some point a player needs to force the decision for coaches and management.

The only time I will truly say they mishandled him was when he started the year on the 4th line instead of playing with Dube and Lucic after their obvious chemistry and success in the last playoffs. For that, I blame Ward for not recognizing a good thing when he had it.

All I know is that Sam is better than what he showed in Calgary. How much better? I'm not sure, but it wouldn't shock me to see him be a solid 2nd line center for the rest of his career.

It would be easier to take if the team wasn't struggling so much, and hadn't been inept for so long (save a brief 2/3 of a season blip on the radar)...