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

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

If they give their best and miss out - so be it.

If they miss out because they're gassed and as a result secondary scoring has completely dried up, and yet they left a potential contributor off the team and didn't ice the best team possible - the players would have a reason to be pissed

Again, you keep giving a fan's perspective. I assure you no one on that roster, save maybe Bollig, feels that Bennett at this point in time, until he proves otherwise at the NHL level, is going to be an upgrade over them in any of the remaining 4 games down the stretch.

And should the Flames play him and miss (unless he lights it up) not only the players that sit instead of him, but everyone else on that roster will question the Bennett decision. The Flames are not making this decision taking into account fan opinion, but they are likely seriously thinking about player opinions and outcomes for all the scenario's that could occur.

[Erick Estrada]

If it's taking them time to make a decision I wouldn't expect him to suit up for the Flames in a game as if Hartley and Treliving thought that would be a slam dunk to put him in the lineup there would be no waiting for a decision. I suspect they are weighing the pros and cons of him playing in the AHL or practicing and sitting in the press box for the Flames.

[Owen15]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

I agree with this. This decision is harder than it looks, many of us are failing to recognize that.

I like shiny pretty things.

Hot waitresses, sports cars and Sam Bennett.

Yeah it's a hard decision but I just want it!

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Again, you keep giving a fan's perspective. I assure you no one on that roster, save maybe Bollig, feels that Bennett at this point in time, until he proves otherwise at the NHL level, is going to be an upgrade over them in any of the remaining 4 games down the stretch.

And Bolig probably feels that when Ferland slots in instead of him and vice versa. That really couldn't matter any less, because as I said, if someone on the team has their nose so out of joint then that's a pre-existing problem on the team and not something spurred suddenly by Bennett.

You are really reaching.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

who said this? No one. Right.

Uh, the posted I quoted in my comment:

Originally Posted by DiracSpike View Post
To me the benefit of being around the team and practicing with them is greater than the benefit of lighting up scrubby dub dubs in the A.

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

If it's taking them time to make a decision I wouldn't expect him to suit up for the Flames in a game as if Hartley and Treliving thought that would be a slam dunk to put him in the lineup there would be no waiting for a decision. I suspect they are weighing the pros and cons of him playing in the AHL or practicing and sitting in the press box for the Flames.

Or the decision has been made and hasn't been instantly shared with the media and fans. This is often the case on things we beat to death in discussion.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Again, you keep giving a fan's perspective. I assure you no one on that roster, save maybe Bollig, feels that Bennett at this point in time, until he proves otherwise at the NHL level, is going to be an upgrade over them in any of the remaining 4 games down the stretch.

And should the Flames play him and miss (unless he lights it up) not only the players that sit instead of him, but everyone else on that roster will question the Bennett decision. The Flames are not making this decision taking into account fan opinion, but they are likely seriously thinking about player opinions and outcomes for all the scenario's that could occur.

Sorry but the players are not going to blame Bennett if he plays and they don't make it. That is silly.

I am not giving a 'fan's perspective' even if that's how you see it. I am saying every player on the team knows that no spot is 'owned' or given. They know that if the team inserts Bennett, then the team thinks Bennett can help.

You are talking like they are a bunch of insecure children who will react poorly to a change in the lineup.

Do you think they'll cry if Wotherspoon dresses?

[indes]

I don't see a real downside to him coming up, hey even Sven potted 3g in 5gp straight out of the whl. No one was concerned when that happened and Bennett is a much more NHL ready player.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

And Bolig probably feels that when Ferland slots in instead of him and vice versa. That really couldn't matter any less, because as I said, if someone on the team has their nose so out of joint then that's a pre-existing problem on the team and not something spurred suddenly by Bennett.

You are really reaching.

No I'm not. There 10 forwards who have given this team a chance at a playoff birth and played very very well for the Flames. It's very debatable at this point whether Bennett will be an upgrade over any of them before this season is done.

These are the biggest 4 games of the Flames season coming up, the games all the other players on the roster, including ones we should care about long term (not just the Bollig's of the world) want to play in, and in many respects have earned the right to play in because of how far they've taken this team. This is not the same as calling Bennett at the beginning of year or even in the middle of the season and getting someone's nose out of joint. That stuff has time to work it's self out, they tried him, it didn't work, so se sent him down and you got to play again etc... Making this choice now, with 4 games left in a playoff run has no chance to ever be given back to the players if doesn't work. It will for the rest of time be seen as "the Flames took away my chance to play in the most meaningful games of the year after everything I did for this team this year, and then therefore took away playoffs from me and the team, by gambling on a young guy who hasn't earned it yet" by which ever player sits in his place, and potentially by the rest of the team.

The guys are excited to play in these games, it's no longer let's try some things part of the season that can be recovered from if someone gets upset. This is a very tough decision, and the fact the Flames haven't done it quickly means they seriously believe some of the worst case scenarios are a realistic possibility or else they'd likely just do it.

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

No I'm not. There 10 forwards who have given this team a chance at a playoff birth and played very very well for the Flames. It's very debatable at this point whether Bennett will be an upgrade over any of them before this season is done.

These are the biggest 4 games of the Flames season coming up, the games all the other players on the roster, including ones we should care about long term (not just the Bollig's of the world) want to play in, and in many respects have earned the right to play in because of how far they've taken this team. This is not the same as calling Bennett at the beginning of year or even in the middle of the season and getting someone's nose out of joint. That stuff has time to work it's self out, they tried him, it didn't work, so se sent him down and you got to play again etc... Making this choice now, with 4 games left in a playoff run has no chance to ever be given back to the players if doesn't work. It will for the rest of time be seen as "the Flames took away my chance to play in the most meaningful games of the year after everything I did for this team this year, and then therefore took away playoffs from me and the team, by gambling on a young guy who hasn't earned it yet" by which ever player sits in his place, and potentially by the rest of the team.

The guys are excited to play in these games, it's no longer let's try some things part of the season that can be recovered from if someone gets upset. This is a very tough decision, and the fact the Flames haven't done it quickly means they seriously believe some of the worst case scenarios are a realistic possibility or else they'd likely just do it.

Nah, there are 9+ forwards who are ice cold right now and have been largely snake bitten.

There are also several players we know of injured (Byron and Jooris) and probably several more playing very banged up.

The more interchangable players on this list are used to being subbed in and out on a game to game basis.

Bringing in one of the top 18 year olds in the world and slotting them in place of a guy who has already been in and out of the lineup on a game to game basis is not going to destroy moral. If it would, moral would already be in turmoil.

You are indeed really reaching with this particular point.

[Vinny01]

Again one of the main reasons he can help the team is the secondary scoring has dried up completely. Raymond, Colborne, Stajan, Granlund, Backlund, Jones have vanished from the score sheet. Hartley rode that top line heavy last night and we virtually have no second PP unit.

Bennett is a dynamic offensive talent. His speed, smarts, and 2way play already make him a perfect fit style wise for the team. Bringing him in and playing him the 2 games against the bottom feeders will give Hartley a good sense if he should keep playing him or have him watch the last couple games. There is no rush to burn the year off the ELC but with this team needing likely 3 wins in their last 4 with 2 winnable games coming up they need to get the best lineup out there. Adding Bennett gives them more options and playing out the string in Addy is no better than being in a locker room in a tight playoff race.

He doesn't have to be a savior but on the flip side he has potential to ignite energy into the lineup in a similar fashion that Sven did in 2012. Baertschi scored and the Flames won those games. Also i have no concern with a similar fate with Bennett that happened with Sven as Sam already plays a solid 2way game and is a higher caliber prospect

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Sorry but the players are not going to blame Bennett if he plays and they don't make it. That is silly.

I am not giving a 'fan's perspective' even if that's how you see it. I am saying every player on the team knows that no spot is 'owned' or given. They know that if the team inserts Bennett, then the team thinks Bennett can help.

You are talking like they are a bunch of insecure children who will react poorly to a change in the lineup.

Do you think they'll cry if Wotherspoon dresses?

I'm saying that every player does feel that way about the organisation right now, and if the Flames throw in Bennett down the stretch and it doesn't work out, they will then start to question whether what you said above is a true statement that can be made about the Flames organization.

They won't "blame Bennett", you are likely right, but they will blame the Flames for not sticking to their always earned never given mantra. These are competitive athletes, and I assure you it doesn't matter two licks to them what Bennett has accomplished at the OHL level, they aren't going to view his OHL stats are him earning a spot on this team at game 79, unless it really works out. All they will see is a guy who hasn't played a pro game and hasn't proven #### took a spot from someone with pro experience who has earned it all year long. Trust me, even the Raymond or the Shore's of the world aren't sitting here right now going, well that Bennett guy is better than me right now at hockey, hope they call him up and he takes my spot, cause that's what's good for the team. Everyone in that dressing room right now has proven something at the NHL level, and that's all that matters to them.

[gvitaly]

Everyone hold on just a second! What makes everyone think he will be an immediate contributor at the NHL level? I realize that Bennett has shown great character and attitude so far combined with a couple good months in junior, but he was far from amazing during the training camp.

In Penticton he played quite well posting 1G 2A in 3GP, but that was playing other prospects. During the training camp in 3GP he posted 2A and he was a -1. He was far from dominant, aside from the one game against Van where he had 7 shots and 2 hits, aside from the helper.

I don't criticize Bennett, and I think he will be a great prospect. I just don't expect him to be a game changer right from the get go. He is already over hyped in Calgary because of his draft position, but bringing him to the Flames right now could be setting him up to fail. *cough* *cough* Baertschi anyone? He was a great contributor in his first couple of games, and now what. It all depends on Bennett's character, and I doubt it will be a problem... I just think that everyone needs to take a deep breath and stop looking at Bennett as god's savior for a while.

[stemit14]

So is Bennett just waiting at home for the call as to where he is going to go? Or is he on his way to adirondack and the flames will send him from there to Edmonton if they decide to bring him for Saturday's game?

Seems strange to announce a call up but not say where.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I'm saying that every player does feel that way about the organisation right now, and if the Flames throw in Bennett down the stretch and it doesn't work out, they will then start to question whether what you said above is a true statement that can be made about the Flames organization.

They won't "blame Bennett", you are likely right, but they will blame the Flames for not sticking to their always earned never given mantra. These are competitive athletes, and I assure you it doesn't matter two licks to them what Bennett has accomplished at the OHL level, they aren't going to view his OHL stats are him earning a spot on this team at game 79, unless it really works out. All they will see is a guy who hasn't played a pro game and hasn't proven #### took a spot from someone with pro experience who has earned it all year long. Trust me, even the Raymond or the Shore's of the world aren't sitting here right now going, well that Bennett guy is better than me right now at hockey, hope they call him up and he takes my spot, cause that's what's good for the team. Everyone in that dressing room right now has proven something at the NHL level, and that's all that matters to them.

And it's up to management to work with those player(s) who get sat to find their next gear. Even if they've been proving it year round, that doesn't excuse that majority of the forwards have not stepped it up for the last week or so. They're competitive athletes and I look forward to seeing them work harder to demonstrate that they're an professional NHLer who puts team success over their own. If they want to be a part of that team success, it'll be up to them to continually demonstrate at every opportunity.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Again, you keep giving a fan's perspective. I assure you no one on that roster, save maybe Bollig, feels that Bennett at this point in time, until he proves otherwise at the NHL level, is going to be an upgrade over them in any of the remaining 4 games down the stretch.

And should the Flames play him and miss (unless he lights it up) not only the players that sit instead of him, but everyone else on that roster will question the Bennett decision. The Flames are not making this decision taking into account fan opinion, but they are likely seriously thinking about player opinions and outcomes for all the scenario's that could occur.

This is laughable in my opinion. You talk like the whole forward group is laying amazing and no one deserves to sit. Colborne has been taking numerous bad penalties and his offense has dried up. Raymond is a complete waste of $3M cap space with a measly 21pts on the year and invisible most nights. Granlund has not looked that great over the past few games. Anyone on that line could sit ahead of Bennett.

This ridiculous reach you have about pissing off the locker room by gifting a spot to Sam is a bunk theory. Players on that roster know that this was the top rated skater by Central Scouting. They know he is the top prospect and a big part of the future.

The current third line is a mess and adding Bennett to that line and likely second PP unit is a risk worth taking.

[DiracSpike]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

Uh, the posted I quoted in my comment:

Over the whole hockey season yes I would agree, playing any pro hockey is better than practice.

However that trade off curve converges as the number if games decreases, so with four games left and a playoff push I say call him up.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Again one of the main reasons he can help the team is the secondary scoring has dried up completely. Raymond, Colborne, Stajan, Granlund, Backlund, Jones have vanished from the score sheet. Hartley rode that top line heavy last night and we virtually have no second PP unit.

Bennett is a dynamic offensive talent. His speed, smarts, and 2way play already make him a perfect fit style wise for the team. Bringing him in and playing him the 2 games against the bottom feeders will give Hartley a good sense if he should keep playing him or have him watch the last couple games. There is no rush to burn the year off the ELC but with this team needing likely 3 wins in their last 4 with 2 winnable games coming up they need to get the best lineup out there. Adding Bennett gives them more options and playing out the string in Addy is no better than being in a locker room in a tight playoff race.

He doesn't have to be a savior but on the flip side he has potential to ignite energy into the lineup in a similar fashion that Sven did in 2012. Baertschi scored and the Flames won those games. Also i have no concern with a similar fate with Bennett that happened with Sven as Sam already plays a solid 2way game and is a higher caliber prospect

I don't disagree with anything you are saying. Those are all the reasons to try it. Although there is no try and see period left with 4 games to go, these next two are just as important as the last two, they aren't freebies we can dick around with before we get to the real games against LA and WPG.

But all those players who have "dried" up don't simply feel Bennett is automatically going to have a better chance than them at scoring in the next 4 games. I'm sure they aren't ignorant to his skill set, but they also aren't ignorant to how the NHL game is much tougher, and every single one of them has proven they can score more NHL goals than Bennett has at this point. The fans of this team as a collective feel "Bennett" meets the "earned" criteria, and fair enough. I'm suggesting to you that none of the players on the roster feel that way yet (which is nothing against Bennett by them), and if they chose to play Bennett and it doesn't work out (because all gets forgiven with wins), choosing to play him does have some serious potential re-precusions how players on this team trust and view the reputation of this team that is so very stellar right now.

This is not a team (players wise especially) that views themselves as a team with their back against the wall that needs to take risks or get some help to get in. This is a group that for sure feels like they are exactly where they want to be, with their destiny in their hands down the stretch. They likely aren't a group looking to the coaches or management of the team going, "damn guys we are reeling, throw us a life line, get us some help" they are a group that likely feels pretty good confident that they are going to be able to take this across the line with the team they currently have.

[Red Menace]

I respect and like all the Flames players, but to say that they are as a group all responsible for the success of the team is just plain wrong.
The team is succeeding in spite of, not because of, the bottom 6.
Any chance we have to improve that bottom 6 should be taken.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

They won't "blame Bennett", you are likely right, but they will blame the Flames for not sticking to their always earned never given mantra. These are competitive athletes, and I assure you it doesn't matter two licks to them what Bennett has accomplished at the OHL level, they aren't going to view his OHL stats are him earning a spot on this team at game 79, unless it really works out. All they will see is a guy who hasn't played a pro game and hasn't proven #### took a spot from someone with pro experience who has earned it all year long. Trust me, even the Raymond or the Shore's of the world aren't sitting here right now going, well that Bennett guy is better than me right now at hockey, hope they call him up and he takes my spot, cause that's what's good for the team. Everyone in that dressing room right now has proven something at the NHL level, and that's all that matters to them.

You're making it sound like we're icing a team of Svens.