[Rumour] Flames recall Sam Bennett. UPD: Flames still deciding on AHL or NHL

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Darkwater

Media = blarrgh. Do the right thing.. Flames, heart above mind. Bennett is a lion, let him free!!!!!

[Jayems]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

How many games (if any) can he play at this stage in the season without burning the year on the ECL?

Nine.

[MotoRacer]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

How many games (if any) can he play at this stage in the season without burning the year on the ECL?

9 from what I read here


Seems like a no brainer

[Robo]

this team that has played balls to the wall all season to make the playoffs and a player that could give them a huge boost to get there is available, and management might not do it because it might burn a year off his elc i think that will send an awful message to these guys. Mangement will make the right decision I hope

[Jayems]

Also, hypothetically, what would the financial benefit to the Flames' ownership be?

If he plays 9 games, that's pretty close to entering the second round. What are, say, at best, six home playoff games worth to the organization? Cash in the bank since they're not paying players during a run.

Sure, you may have to pay him more sooner down the road, but the benefit financially now would be good, no?

I guess the fear is making the playoffs and losing out 1st round and he plays 10 games. But if you get in with a few games left in the regular season, sit him and use him again in the playoffs.

[GoJetsGo]

That's what I thought... and if so (9 games) seems like a no-brainer to see if he's a help in the last four games.

If he lights it up give him the first games in the first round. At that point, if he were to near the nine game mark, seems like the decision would make itself.

[Darkwater]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Thank you for that, Bennett needs to strut.

[getbak]

If the Flames play 10 more games, we'll all be happy. If Bennett is good enough to play 10 or more games in Calgary this season, we should all be dancing in the street (literally).

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Steinberg saying on Overtime that he knows for a fact the Flames do not want to burn a year of his ELC.

Then simply don't play him for 10 games.

I don't want to burn one either unless we really go far in the playoffs.

[GoJetsGo]

You'd have to think that if he steps in and plays 9 games, it's at the point where the playoff revenues might be enough to sway that concern about the ELC.

[tvp2003]

Let him play against EDM and PHO. By that point we'll have a better idea what the final two games represent. If he struggles, don't dress him. If he plays well, you can still keep him out for the LA game and potentially WPG as well. That would leave a full seven game playoff series.

I'd rather play him for 9 (or less) and then take him out (assuming burning a year is that much of a concern) than to not even play him at all (or to wait until the playoffs to do it).

[Enoch Root]

how can anyone think that Bennett playing at least 6 playoff games is a bad thing?

the only way Bennett burns a year of his ELC is if:

a) the Flames make the playoffs,
b) they go at least 6 games, and
c) Bennett shows enough to the coaching staff that he is put into the lineup every game

in all likelihood, the only way he plays 10 games is if they make the 2nd round

is there anyone who seriously thinks that would be a bad thing?

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by dammage79

One of my top 5 favorite comedies. Some people say it sucks but I love it.

[flylock shox]

I don't see why Bennett wouldn't be joining the Flames.

He would have made the team out of camp. He's proven his injury is healed. The Flames need all the help they can get. The risk of burning a year of ELC is low and, if it happens, it pays for itself in the form of at least 3 home playoff games.

I don't see the logic in not bringing him up.

[Gaskal]

I think it's pretty reasonable, with how Monahan and Gaudreau have carried this team, that an unfatigued NHL-hungry talent like Sam Bennett can step into 4 regular season games and makes a difference. He can take someone's spot on that 3rd line and have Ferland and Shore as his wingers.

The Flames are all about always earned, never given. Sam was told to go to Kingston and get his game legs there. He tore it up, and carried the team on his back to a playoff berth. He's earned it.

[bob-loblaw]

I think Hartley said that he would have made the team out of training camp if he didn't get hurt. If that's true he would have burned a year off this season anyways.

Bring him in and turn him loose on the Oilers.

[dying4acup]

My brain says to send him to the AHL. The boy needs games and minutes. He needs to learn the Pro game. And "the road to Calgary goes through Adirondack."

My heart says to bring him up. Play him in the home games where you can control his minutes and opponents. The first home game is Arizona, then LA. Even if you do that through the first round of 7 games, you would still have another 2games to play with. It's a nice problem to have.

The thing is, with Burke and Treliving, the decision will be made with brains, not heart.

[OzSome]

At the beginning I wasn't on board for him to play in Calgary this season after recovering from shoulder injury but it seems like he is a 100% healthy now. Flames have to play 2 minor league teams (Oilers and Coyotes) soon so I say bring him and play him against those two. If he is not ready then sit him out against the Kings and the Jets. Having Bennett in Calgary with the team during the playoff run might help him prepare for next season. I just hope everyone in CP and the media doesn't expect him to be the Messiah and score lots of goals. Of course I am hoping for the same start he did with Kingston this season but if not, then I am just fine with him getting the experience.

[Roof-Daddy]

I honestly don't have a problem with the Flames bringing Sam straight to the NHL, but my gut says Treliving will put him in Adirondack for now. He's been adamant about never rushing any prospects, and I doubt his MO changes now.

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

My brain says to send him to the AHL. The boy needs games and minutes. He needs to learn the Pro game. And "the road to Calgary goes through Adirondack."

Monahan and Gaudreau never played an AHL game. While what you say is true in general, Bennett is a special player. Special players often step straight into the NHL.

When he hadn't played in months and was coming off injury, that was a valid concern. He's showed his shoulder is fine and played at a such a high level it looked like he was too good for the CHL.