QOTD: What will the Flames do with Sam Bennett?

[burn_this_city]

Skip the conditioning stint and give him second line center right off the bat.

It’s tough to project or forecast what they’ll do with it, but generally guys of high pedigree, you want to play them to the point of failure

[The Big Chill]

I put AHL then a cup of coffee, but a more accurate answer for me would be an AHL conditioning stint and then decide from there. I really only want to see him in the NHL if he's truly ready for it. If he doesn't look ready, then getting him up to speed back in junior will do him a world of good heading into next training camp.

[1991 Canadian]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Skip the conditioning stint and give him second line center right off the bat.

It’s tough to project or forecast what they’ll do with it, but generally guys of high pedigree, you want to play them to the point of failure

I agree. High draft picks should be given top 6 minutes immediately without earning them. Lets play him for about half of the remaining season, give him a terrible supporting cast to play with, then ship him back to juniors for the second half after he has picked up lots of bad habits.

[Poe969]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Skip the conditioning stint and give him second line center right off the bat.

It’s tough to project or forecast what they’ll do with it, but generally guys of high pedigree, you want to play them to the point of failure

This is a terrible idea! TERRIBLE!!! Bennett is the highest drafted player in Flames history and you wouldn't put him on the first line?!?! They should just rush the whole "healing/rehab" process and get him in the game tonight!!! And since he's tough, when he gets run or hit late, the entire team should just ignore it and act like nothing happened.

I almost got through that with a straight face lol.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

It’s tough to project or forecast what they’ll do with it, but generally guys of high pedigree, you want to play them to the point of failure

He's earned the right to fail.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think the Flames will allow Bennett to make the decision for them. The Flames are intent on living up to their mantra "Always Earned, Never Given", so I would bet he gets 'x' amount of games. If he shows well in game 1, he gets game 2. Again, in game 2 if he shows well, he gets game 3. If he makes it to game 9, that is when the Flames are going to think very hard.

If the Flames are making a good run with him and he is looking like an impact player out there, he stays. If at any point he falters, he gets sent down. I think much like they handled Ortio on his call-up. 100% up to Bennett how long he ends up staying.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I think the Flames will allow Bennett to make the decision for them. The Flames are intent on living up to their mantra "Always Earned, Never Given", so I would bet he gets 'x' amount of games. If he shows well in game 1, he gets game 2. Again, in game 2 if he shows well, he gets game 3. If he makes it to game 9, that is when the Flames are going to think very hard.

That's what I'm thinking too, although the best business decision is to let his contract slide til next year, that's the most professional handling way of handling this. I think if-and-once he's in an NHL game, the "do-or-die" moment will be a function of his ability to stay disciplined.

[Cflames_12.5]

If Sam is NHL ready shouldn't he stay up here with the big boys. Wouldn't it be more hurtful to his growth to send him back if he's ready. What kind of message does that send. He should be given an opportunity to prove he's ready. And I think he'll force the team to keep him here.

[the2bears]

Conditioning stint and decide from there.

[codynw]

None of the above. They trade him for a rental at the deadline.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Skip the conditioning stint and give him second line center right off the bat.

It’s tough to project or forecast what they’ll do with it, but generally guys of high pedigree, you want to play them to the point of failure

It's true:

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by codynw

None of the above. They trade him for a rental at the deadline.

Ideally an aging stay at home defenseman with low footspeed on an expiring contract.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Ideally an aging stay at home defenseman with low footspeed on an expiring contract.

I was thinking someone like Martin Erat. But I do like the sound of a slow, aging defenceman.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by codynw

None of the above. They trade him for a rental at the deadline.

#CamryBold

[FlamesAddiction]

I want to be careful not to generalize a herd opinion, but I do find it odd that it seems like usually the vocal majority supports not rushing prospects into the line-up (the "Detroit" model gets thrown around a lot). Yet when it comes to Bennett, the vocal majority seems to want him thrown in to the AHL or NHL ASAP.

I can just see a nightmare scenario where he hits the ice and blows his shoulder out the first time someone just cranks him. I would really feel a lot less anxious if he were eased into it slower given his size, recent surgery and lack of recent game action.

Seriously, what's the rush? Year 2 of the re-build...

[Vinny01]

I said conditioning dtint then 9 games. When you hear anyone in the organization talk about Sam they give nothing but the highest praise. They talk of his dedication and determination and it reminds me of the comments made about Monahan in his rookie year.

I will trust the organization will do the right thing and will fully support a swift return to junior or letting him try and earn a NHL spot

[2ArmBands]

When it comes to the Sam situation my immediate thought process is that he should be returned to Junior. However, I think there is a lot more to it and that's because of Sam himself. From everything I have heard this guy is beyond eager to play for the Calgary Flames. In his mind he has already made the team. At the end of the day Flames management will make the decision, they have had the luxury of seeing Sam on a daily basis. They can see his work ethic and get a good idea of where he is at mentally.

I have a feeling that despite it being months ago the Flames will reward him and not forget about the excellent training camp and preseason he had. AHL stint with a cup of joe.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Has Sam really earned a spot on the team over other rookies? He was a great pick and all, but don't you guys think that some other players deserve some NHL playing time before he does? Wolf, Baertschi, Hanowski, Arnold, etc.

I think it'd give a bad message if we just handed Bennett some NHL playing time without earning. Give him the AHL stint, and maybe a handful of NHL games. I still think the OHL is the best place for him to go after being gone for so long.

[Scoutski]

I am pretty confident that the organization will do what is best, so I will trust and be happy with whatever they do with him.

Hartley seems to really like his passion and drive and I think he'll hang around til 100% healthy and they'll give him a taste but ultimately want him to go down so he can step into a junior team and be the guy for the rest of the season, he can try bulk up in the offseason and come back for another crack next year.

[automaton 3]

Originally Posted by 1991 Canadian

I agree. High draft picks should be given top 6 minutes immediately without earning them. Lets play him for about half of the remaining season, give him a terrible supporting cast to play with, then ship him back to juniors for the second half after he has picked up lots of bad habits.

Should probably sign him to the standard 6x6 contract while we're at it.