Quote:
Originally Posted by N-E-B
But he hasn't. He's had a 36 and a 26 point season.
Duchene had 41 last year, which was his lowest total ever (excluding lockout). He's also had 67, two 55, 59, and 70 point seasons. What is Bennett showing that makes you think he'll produce at least at that clip?
He's also played on Team Canada at both the Olympics and the recent World Cup.
Duchene is 26 so it's not like you'd be trading for an old bum either.
Bennett has potential but there's also the chance that he never lives up to it, and from what I'm seeing it looks like that's a real possibility. He'll be lucky to be in the same realm as Duchene.
If all the Avs are asking for in return is Bennett you do that deal every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
|
Couldn't disagree more. Bennett at 19 had 5 less points than Duchene had at 25/26. Duchene hasn't cracked 60pts in 3 seasons either. He is at or entering his prime so we can expect another couple 55pt seasons and then decide if we give him the Bobby Ryan contract or not as that is likely what it costs.
It is infuriating to see people dismiss or lose hope in Bennett because of a sophomore slump. Seriously it happens to a ton of guys but we were spoiled with monster sophomore seasons from Gaudreau and Monahan. Bennett missed a full year of development save for 25 games of jr/NHL experience. He then has a fine rookie season on the wing. In his second full season he has a new coach/system and is playing exclusively centre with a major focus being his 2 way play. He regresses offensively and now at 21 he is written off as a guy who may or may not be a 40pt guy? There is still a chance Bennett is our number 1 center and leading scorer by the time he is Duchene's age now.
Importantly Bennett is 21 and cost controlled for at least the next 5 years. In 2 years Duchene is a UFA and looking to score a big payday that takes him into his mid-30's. If someone could guarantee that Duchene outscores Bennett 2:1 next year then it is possibly worth it as a swing for the fences 2 year push to win the cup. If the Flames want to play the long game then you keep your 21 year old top 4 pick that could easily break out and outscore Duchene as soon as next year.