[News] With the 4th overall pick the Flames select C Sam Bennett

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by theoforever

The question was who has the higher upside, I was not aware that some questions are better not be asked.

Strictly based on YouTube and scoring reports I've read I see Bennett as higher, but kind of a toss up

[SHOGUN]

Listening to Treliving on the Fan, it seemed Bennett was their target all along. I think they had Bennett #1, Ekblad #2, Draisaitl #3 and Reinhart #4.

[Savvy27]

It seems to me that the Flames had Ekblad rated #1, then Bennett. Treliving mentioned that they had an arrangement worked out with Buffalo if the Panthers were to trade the first pick. Since everyone figured that Florida would take Ekblad and the Sabres later stated that Reinhart was number one, my guess is that if a team like Vancouver traded for #1 and took Reinhart, Calgary would have exchanged picks with Buffalo and snapped up Ekblad, leaving Bennett for the Sabres.

Taking Ekblad out of the equation though, it really does seem that Buffalo, Edmonton, and Calgary got the forward that they wanted.

[Calgary4LIfe]

It is going to be nice comparing the careers of all 4 of them - especially the forwards.

Who am I kidding? Since Draisaitl drew the short straw, it is just going to be kind of nice to compare Bennett's and Reinhart's career, especially since it appears that regardless of who Buffalo chose, we would more than likely get the other Sam.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

The last thing I'd typically want to do is compare a Flames prospect to a dirty oiler, but considering he's their best player and from Calgary it doesn't feel as dirty.

Could Taylor Hall be considered a comparable for Bennett?

I think Bennett has better hockey sense and stick handling which could translate into a higher ceiling than Hall, but they both seem to have that physical crash and bang style of game. If that's the case, just hope the man plays a smart game and doesn't make careless plays resulting in unnecessary injuries.

[indes]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

The last thing I'd typically want to do is compare a Flames prospect to a dirty oiler, but considering he's their best player and from Calgary it doesn't feel as dirty.

Could Taylor Hall be considered a comparable for Bennett?

I think Bennett has better hockey sense and stick handling which could translate into a higher ceiling than Hall, but they both seem to have that physical crash and bang style of game. If that's the case, just hope the man plays a smart game and doesn't make careless plays resulting in unnecessary injuries.

Taylor Hall is more a physical tools guy while Bennet is more a cerebral one. I like the Duchene comparison for Bennet, just a little more physical.

[FAN]

Originally Posted by fotze

So Bennett is only 7 months older than McDavid? Barely less PPG while playing with much less talented teammates.

Unfortunately that means nothing. Ryan Strome had a lot more points than Landeskog did in their draft year.

It will be interesting to see how McDavid turns out. I don't think he's the next one in terms of Sidney Crosby levels. Stats alone, his midget numbers blew away Tavares' but his OHL numbers are nothing compared to Tavares'. Unless McDavid takes a big step forward next season especially at the WJC, I think he might end up being a lesser Tavares.

[Bingo]

Hopefully not a repeat, but here are some great comments on Bennett by Futa

Los Angeles Kings’ super scout Michael Futa had high praise for Bennett, calling him “my favourite player in the draft.

“This kid has something really special. There were nights when he could bring you out of your seats in so many different ways. He’s a dynamic skater. He gets under your skin.

“ I like the Gilmour comparison. There’s a little bit of dirt bag to him. He’s a prototypical throwback, loves-the-game competitor, but he’s got a tremendous skill level to him. I told [new Flames general manager] Brad Treliving I thought he got the best player in the draft.”

[SHOGUN]

A quote I found who watched Bennett quite a bit.

Went to about 30 Frontenacs games this year. I won't even mention Draisaitl because I've never seen him play live.

Bennett's hockey sense is on another level, along with his hands. It was an absolute treat to watch him play. Size, while a concern today, will not be an issue when he actually enters the league. He developed by growing from his first and second year in the OHL and it allowed him to completely change his game with a bigger frame. There is still much more room to grow and he should be just fine at about 190lbs. His compete level is off the charts and is a constant worker in any area of the ice.

To those who say he needs big wingers to deter people from hitting him hard in the corner - do you really think Brent Seabrook was scared of a big winger coming after him when running Backes last night? A big defenceman is paid to hit people. If they are deterred because of a possible grappling match with someone after the whistle, then they shouldn't be in the league.

Bennett's biggest issue right now is controlling his temper when he hit in a less than clean fashion. Peterborough took advantage of this during their series to get him off his game. To his credit, as the series went on, he learned to avoid retaliation and enjoy the powerplay that came with it.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by FAN

Unfortunately that means nothing. Ryan Strome had a lot more points than Landeskog did in their draft year.

It will be interesting to see how McDavid turns out. I don't think he's the next one in terms of Sidney Crosby levels. Stats alone, his midget numbers blew away Tavares' but his OHL numbers are nothing compared to Tavares'. Unless McDavid takes a big step forward next season especially at the WJC, I think he might end up being a lesser Tavares.

I honestly think that by the time the draft comes that Eichel could surpass him as the #1 ranked player.

Thrilled with the pick of Bennett though. Him and Monahan are the type of centers you want to build your team around (Plus Backlund and Jankowski).

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Yeah I am still on cloud nine. I like Monahan but I feel we finally got what may be an elite talent with Bennett.

I see Bennett as a possible game breaker. A player that puts fear into the other team when he is on the ice.

I see Monahan as becoming a game saver, a player that can be relied upon at both ends to get the job done.


Which, if it all pans out, means we are going to be in a very good place in 3-4 yrs.

[Gaskal]

[Split98]

Originally Posted by JonDuke

Will Bennett more than likely still wear #93?
Or will Burke's low number influence come in effect any time soon?

I will be massively disappointed if Bennett doesn't wear #93. As a GIGANTIC Dougie fan, the Gilmour connection may be my favourite part of this kid right now. #93 on the ice bred in the mould of my favourite player growing up is beyond exciting.

[theoforever]

Originally Posted by Split98

I will be massively disappointed if Bennett doesn't wear #93. As a GIGANTIC Dougie fan, the Gilmour connection may be my favourite part of this kid right now. #93 on the ice bred in the mould of my favourite player growing up is beyond exciting.

Gilmour fan here too and that's why Bennett should wear #39.

[Split98]

Originally Posted by theoforever

Gilmour fan here too and that's why Bennett should wear #39.

Either would be fantastic, and I get #39 was Gilmour's number I just (personally) only associate Gilmour with #93 (I was 5 when he was traded) and aesthetically I love the look of #93.

Either option is exciting to me though!

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by theoforever

Gilmour fan here too and that's why Bennett should wear #39.

Galiardi didn't get qualified, so 39 just became free.

[Rick M.]

Hello K2, number 39.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

Hello K2, number 39.

OT a bit, but I thought Gilmour got the nickname Killer from one of the Sutter when he was a 'Hawk.


IS that correct?

[H2SO4(aq)]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

The last thing I'd typically want to do is compare a Flames prospect to a dirty oiler, but considering he's their best player and from Calgary it doesn't feel as dirty.

Could Taylor Hall be considered a comparable for Bennett?

I think Bennett has better hockey sense and stick handling which could translate into a higher ceiling than Hall, but they both seem to have that physical crash and bang style of game. If that's the case, just hope the man plays a smart game and doesn't make careless plays resulting in unnecessary injuries.

I don't like it as a comparable. Hall uses his speed and size to create offence off the rush, but 9/10 times he has his head down and blindly throws the puck towards the net at a bad angle before smashing himself into the boards. Bennett on the other hand uses his vision to create offence, and has the skill and speed to do so at an elite level.

He's actually a tricky player to make comparisons too. Maybe a gritty version of Seguin or Couture or something. Probably easier to just stick with Killer.

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by H2SO4(aq)

I don't like it as a comparable. Hall uses his speed and size to create offence off the rush, but 9/10 times he has his head down and blindly throws the puck towards the net at a bad angle before smashing himself into the boards. Bennett on the other hand uses his vision to create offence, and has the skill and speed to do so at an elite level.

He's actually a tricky player to make comparisons too. Maybe a gritty version of Seguin or Couture or something. Probably easier to just stick with Killer.

We'll wait and see how he plays in the NHL before we compare him to a current NHLer. I don't see how you can compare without seeing him play.