QOTD: The Bennett Situation

[Scoutski]

I think it just seems easier to send him down to juniors. Even if he can help the team right now, I hate to say it, but the Flames aren't winning the cup this year. I'd be happier for him to get back down to an environment where he can absolutely tear it up and I look forward to watching him do it.

Does anyone know what kind of training/conditioning he was allowed to do during his rehab? Was he allowed to do a lot of leg strength work or anything? I have no idea what sort of position he'd be in physically, I trust the Flames to get him up to speed, but I don't know if he's lost/gained strength since the surgery (except not skating til yesterday)

[CliffFletcher]

It isn't just about conditioning, it's about adapting to a league he has never played in. The kid is a physically immature teenager with 0 NHL games under his belt.

Let's not pull an Oilers here. There's no need for hype and excitement to overcome patience and common sense.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

It isn't just about conditioning, it's about adapting to a league he has never played in. The kid is a physically immature teenager with 0 NHL games under his belt.

Let's not pull an Oilers here. There's no need for hype and excitement to overcome patience and common sense.

You have to play your first game some time.

This isn't about hype vs common sense - people can have a different opinion than you and still be sensible.

The right thing for him is what the Flames want. And that will be decided by Bennett (by demonstration) and by the staff.

Common sense will be employed by all parties involved. And common sense does not dictate making a unilateral decision two months before its even required.

[FlameZilla]

If he's allowed to through the terms of the CBA I'd let him participate in some team practices before making the decision. If he's looking strong & his shoulder is ok then a 2 week conditioning stint in the AHL, a few games with the NHL Flames. Then back to the OHL for the final stretch and playoffs, unless of course he's undeniably one of our best players.

[GioforPM]

I'd get rid of Backlund and Stajan, keep him up for 39 games or so on the second line(even if he looks overmatched - he needs to learn), maybe ensure he misses any important junior experiences and then send him down.

[#-3]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

If he's allowed to through the terms of the CBA I'd let him participate in some team practices before making the decision. If he's looking strong & his shoulder is ok then a 2 week conditioning stint in the AHL, a few games with the NHL Flames. Then back to the OHL for the final stretch and playoffs, unless of course he's undeniably one of our best players.

I don't think that is a problem as long as they only have 23 healthy bodies, with Backlund coming back they are already at 24 and need to move 1 out (probably Granlund, because he is the only who hasn't been told he made the team).

[Karl]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I'd get rid of Backlund and Stajan, keep him up for 39 games or so on the second line(even if he looks overmatched - he needs to learn), maybe ensure he misses any important junior experiences and then send him down.

Draisatl!!!

[heep223]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I'd get rid of Backlund and Stajan, keep him up for 39 games or so on the second line(even if he looks overmatched - he needs to learn), maybe ensure he misses any important junior experiences and then send him down.

Don't forget to make sure he gets knocked around and nobody comes to his defense, on numerous occasions. Toughen him up.

[united]

I would go with the conditioning stint route once he's 100% healthy and not any sooner, followed by OHL, unless he performs out of this World in which case maybe 9 games is deserved.

Bennett is one of the guys held hostage by the CHL-AHL agreement: way too good for the CHL but perhaps not quite ready for the NHL yet. A conditioning stint is a great way around that for a couple weeks. Plus he collects another two weeks of pay before going back to whatever peanuts he gets in Kingston.

[Samiz]

I don't think it would hurt to give him anywhere from 1 to 9 games in NHL with sheltered minutes. If he does play a game, he knows what the expectations will be coming into training camp next season. Think of it similar to Gaudreau's 1 game last year

[Bunk]

Originally Posted by united

I would go with the conditioning stint route once he's 100% healthy and not any sooner, followed by OHL, unless he performs out of this World in which case maybe 9 games is deserved.

Bennett is one of the guys held hostage by the CHL-AHL agreement: way too good for the CHL but perhaps not quite ready for the NHL yet. A conditioning stint is a great way around that for a couple weeks. Plus he collects another two weeks of pay before going back to whatever peanuts he gets in Kingston.

I don't think he's "too good" for the CHL. He was a great player last year, yeah, but it's not like he was scoring 3 pts per game (nor would he this year). He was on the younger side of his draft year, the CHL is exactly where he should be the rest of the season.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Samiz

I don't think it would hurt to give him anywhere from 1 to 9 games in NHL with sheltered minutes. If he does play a game, he knows what the expectations will be coming into training camp next season. Think of it similar to Gaudreau's 1 game last year

Gaudreau's one game was a bargaining chip to get him to sign. It wasn't about teaching him what to expect. Any way, Bennet has had the benefit of being with the team all year, and went through a training camp already.

Who do you send down to give Bennett his games? Granlund's already gone, so Jooris?

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Gaudreau's one game was a bargaining chip to get him to sign. It wasn't about teaching him what to expect. Any way, Bennet has had the benefit of being with the team all year, and went through a training camp already.

Who do you send down to give Bennett his games? Granlund's already gone, so Jooris?

Jones will be out

[SHOGUN]

Rushing him right back into an NHL game would be detrimental to his development imo... he hasn't played hockey in months. The best thing would be to send him back to juniors where he can ease his way back into physical contact.

[dammage79]

From the sounds of it, Bennet still has 2-3 weeks of practicing to go before they even think of anything else. I still believe he stays for his nine games.

[lazypucker]

Can anyone remind me of the differences between the 9-game vs 39-game send-down to juniors?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by lazypucker

Can anyone remind me of the differences between the 9-game vs 39-game send-down to juniors?

10 games = one year off the entry level contract.

40 games = one year off his RFA status (or1 year closer to UFA).

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Jones will be out

They aren't going to waive and demote Jones to take a wing and a prayer on Bennett.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

They aren't going to waive and demote Jones to take a wing and a prayer on Bennett.

He was saying Jones will be injured. Because he's Jones.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

He was saying Jones will be injured. Because he's Jones.

Granted, I missed the obvious (and tired) joke, but it still doesn't answer the real question: Who do you send down to make room for taking a blind chance on Bennett?