[News] Bennett cleared for contact. UPD Kypreos: expected Bennett to Kingston this weekend

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Nick Kypreos @RealKyper
#Flames Sam Bennett expected to be back with @KingstonFronts as early as this weekend.

No surprise they've decided to go this route. Him jumping straight into the fire was a ridiculous notion. We as fans should all be very pleased they are taking a very level headed and patient route with our top prospect.

[Enoch Root]

you answered your own question

[Jackpot_Smooth]

I think it's a good move. probably prevents any un-real expectations on the kid. if he manages to score a few goals like what happened with baertschi

[Obsidian]

This is actually a good plan to take.

If we're in a lull or our offense is struggling down the stretch and our playoff chances in jeopardy (let's hope it doesn't come to that), and if Kingston is done late in March, we can recall Bennett who'll be in game form and can help the team in those last few (probably very crucial) games vs the Kings and Jets.

[Ulrith]

I wish they'd just announce this already. Enough toying with my emotions!

[heep223]

What's the downside in sending him to Addy? Get a look at how he plays against pros. If he's clearly struggling just send him to junior no harm no foul. If he's lights out give him a game in the NHL.

This thread just goes around and around on circles haha

[Bingo]

The one thing this possibility removes is another nail in the Oiler fan coffin. Imagine Bennett lighting it up on the way to a Flame's playoff birth?

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

you answered your own question

You said there were a clear and reasonable set of choices in between option "a" (NHL) and option "b" (OHL), so I thought maybe there were others than just sending him to the AHL for conditioning.

A conditioning stint just buys a little bit of time before it comes back down to choosing either "a" or "b". It doesn't offer any development time of consequence, so it's not really a reasonable option as much as it is a procrastination. It still comes down to NHL or OHL in the end.

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by Bingo

The one thing this possibility removes is another nail in the Oiler fan coffin. Imagine Bennett lighting it up on the way to a Flame's playoff birth?

It's just replaced with a nail labeled 'How to properly handle your top 1st round draft pick' coffin firmly locked down.

[Heavy Jack]

Watch Bennett surprise dress tonight haha... man we want to see this kid play so badly don't we?!?!

[killer_carlson]

Hartley's strategy with the rookies has been to let them think they aren't playing, then on very short notice let them know that they are. I think it is to help them avoid over thinking or getting too nervous.

My bet is that he does play tonight.

[automaton 3]

They've observed him for weeks of workouts, skating and practice so no doubt they know exactly where he's at.

Hope he lights it up in Kingston (if the media reports are accurate). I'm a bit disappointed that this leaked before the Flames made an announcement, and I hope Bennett didn't find out via twitter.

The white sweater is a mystery though. Makes me wonder if he plays tonight.

[Electricprez]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

Hartley's strategy with the rookies has been to let them think they aren't playing, then on very short notice let them know that they are. I think it is to help them avoid over thinking or getting too nervous.

My bet is that he does play tonight.

One game up (?) before sending him back down feels like cruel and unusual punishment, but I secretly hope you're right.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by heep223

What's the downside in sending him to Addy? Get a look at how he plays against pros. If he's clearly struggling just send him to junior no harm no foul. If he's lights out give him a game in the NHL.

This thread just goes around and around on circles haha

In order to send him on a conditioning loan, he has to be activated on the NHL roster, which would require sending Granlund back as well to make room on the 23 man roster. It would reduce Hartley's flexibility when putting together the lineup.

Also, if Bennett is on the NHL roster at the trade deadline, he would not be eligible to play for Adirondack in the AHL playoffs. Again, that limits their options with what they can do with him down the road.

[Bunk]

Originally Posted by Electricprez

One game up (?) before sending him back down feels like cruel and unusual punishment, but I secretly hope you're right.

Just makes him hungrier, if that's even possible - by all accounts he's like a rapid dog. Selfishly I want to see him in tonight as I'll be at the game.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

You said there were a clear and reasonable set of choices in between option "a" (NHL) and option "b" (OHL), so I thought maybe there were others than just sending him to the AHL for conditioning.

A conditioning stint just buys a little bit of time before it comes back down to choosing either "a" or "b". It doesn't offer any development time of consequence, so it's not really a reasonable option as much as it is a procrastination. It still comes down to NHL or OHL in the end.

That is not what procrastination means.

Seeing how he does in practice, then seeing how he does in Adirondack, then seeing how he does in a game is not procrastination. It is acquiring more data before making the decision.

The problem with sending him to the OHL is that it is final - once done its done. So why not take every opportunity to test him first?

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

That is not what procrastination means.

Seeing how he does in practice, then seeing how he does in Adirondack, then seeing how he does in a game is not procrastination. It is acquiring more data before making the decision.

The problem with sending him to the OHL is that it is final - once done its done. So why not take every opportunity to test him first?

What's the rush? Sending him to OHL isn't going to ruin him. If you're just testing a player, the time isn't in the thick of a playoff push. That is what training camp is for. Yes, he faired well in training camp but that was before surgery that saw him on the sidelines for 5-6 months.

Maybe he can handle the NHL, but maybe they want to ease him back into the speed of things. The NHL is much quicker than the OHL and he can go to the OHL and work on his game for the rest of the year and maybe that will be enough for him to be prepared to join Adirondak or maybe even Calgary for the playoffs.

Rushing him into a spot reeks of the Oilers game plan. Oh look, a first round pick, here play on the 1st line!

[Roof-Daddy]

Mainly, I'm just glad Bennett is healthy and even able to play anywhere this season.

[sureLoss]

Fake Boring Sean Monahan @fakeboringmonahan
I saw Sam Bennett doing laundry yesterday. I asked him if he was worried if the red hat he threw into the wash would ruin his green jersey. He said no. It did.

Fake Boring Sean Monahan @fakeboringmonahan
Sam Bennett asked if I had any bleach for his jersey. I told him he would have to ask Lance because Lance buys the bleach.

[Scornfire]

wait, there's a Fake boring Monahan now? laff

Edit: Nope, just Sureloss becoming sentient, he's learned our ways