[News] Dreger: Still sizable gap between Bennett and Flames

[Par]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I don't think that the ship that you're referring to ever existed, Par. I think it'd be more like a water dinghy.

Lol, probably.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by robaur

Also, I've heard that he takes it to heart or gets disappointed seeing the success of those in his draft class having more opportunity and much more success early in their career such as Draisaitl, Nylander, Ehlers, Larkin, Fabbri, Pastrnak etc. That's his competitive nature.

He expected himself to be on the way to becoming an elite player in the league already.

It's a big leap from the CHL to the NHL, which is why most players spend some time developing in the AHL. And it's not at all unusual for even star players to break into the NHL on the third line. Bennett has had a decent amount of PP time, and he hasn't produced. He needs to adjust his play to the NHL game. When or if he does, he'll start producing the way he expects to.

[Gaskal]

@mikeFAIL took the time to post a bit of context on reddit:

FWIW Bennett's agent is in the same agency that represents Andreas Athanasiou, who has overseas offers too. The same agency represents Tobias Rieder who had a similar situation prior to 2016-17.

[TheScorpion]

Oh, so he's just another "difficult" agent like Lewis Gross. Lovely.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by bax

Any chance that this is less about the actual contact and more about opportunity? You'd have to think Bennett wants a chance to play with some top 6 players and get some power play time.

I get the feeling that's the real issue with Bennett, him thinking that he deserves more opportunity, while the Flames aren't convinced.

Just a gut feeling, but something feels a bit off with the Flames/Bennett relationship to me. I wouldn't be completely shocked if at the end of this road there is the possibly of a trade request.

[djsFlames]

Hey Bennett's agent, you have no leverage dude.

Weak bluff.

If Sam believes (like the rest of us) that he has the tools to be good then he needs to sign for a fair 2-2.5 mil and go out and earn a bigger pay day (over hopefully a minimum 2 year bridge). He should only be threatening to go to Europe if he's afraid that he's going to bust and needs to cash in now. The body of work so far is only going to fetch him so much money and bargaining power, though.

Edit: I can see why the difference is likely in term. Brad wants to be able to put off a bump in Sam's price tag as long as possible to help retain the services of all of Backlund, Bennett and Tkachuk for a few years. Have to think Backlund will be the hardest to keep if Bennett does perform this season and ends up being on a one year deal. But I doubt Tree will go for that.

[I_H8_Crawford]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I get the feeling that's the real issue with Bennett, him thinking that he deserves more opportunity, while the Flames aren't convinced.

Just a gut feeling, but something feels a bit off with the Flames/Bennett relationship to me. I wouldn't be completely shocked if at the end of this road there is the possibly of a trade request.

I'm not sure about the Flames are convinced part - all they do is heap praise on him publicly - I think the big issue is there are 2 legit better Cs ahead of him RIGHT NOW.

Although I do believe he can get more opportunity on PP - leave Backlund for PK, and give Bennett the chance to run PP2.

[Braden]

What if maybe, just maybe Bennett has seen the rumors and he doesn't want to play with jagr and is dragging this out in hopes he signs elsewhere. Everyone thinks why wouldn't he want to play with an aging legend.. but some for some reason wouldn't surprise me if he would prefer younger, faster linemate. I'm not saying I believe this just a different perspective. What I do believe is Tre currently has is wizard hat on and is just watching the puzzle pieces fall into place

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by I_H8_Crawford

I'm not sure about the Flames are convinced part - all they do is heap praise on him publicly - I think the big issue is there are 2 legit better Cs ahead of him RIGHT NOW.

The log jam at Center definitely doesn't help, but I can't say that he's really taken full advantage of those opportunities when he was put in that role. The Flames simply may not think he's ready for top line duty yet, and want to work with him at a different pace.

I'm also not convinced that continuing with him at Center is the best for his future. His play often times comes across as too selfish for the position. He doesn't really utilize his linemates well, and still tries those Junior moves a little too frequently. Personally I see him better suited as a winger. He may get more opportunity on this team in that role anyway.

[Geeoff]

I'm starting to think this is gonna be a 1 year deal

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

I'm starting to think this is gonna be a 1 year deal

I think this is taking time because a 1 and 2 year deal likely aren't on the table from the Flames perspective. Tree has talked about how he projects the salary cap years down the road, and a 1 or 2 year deal for Bennett becomes problematic - 3 years minimum is required to get clear of Frolik and Brouwer's contracts.

[CaptainYooh]

I kinda understand the difficulty in negotiating this deal though. I just don't see how Bennett has a solid future in Calgary. His role, as a centre, is pretty much cornered into 3rd line with another strong contender for that role emerging. Treliving sees that too and doesn't want to pay more money than that role should take (plus, Bennett has not been that great yet). Yet, Bennett camp believes he has a demonstrated potential to be a higher-level player and they want his new contract to reflect that potential. Tough situation.

I do believe the best thing for everyone would be to trade Bennett to a team that has room to promote him to a 2nd line centre and take a good RW player in return.

[sureLoss]

News Update

Dreger backtracking now:

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
Likelihood something gets done with the Flames.

[TheScorpion]

Good stuff.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Braden

What if maybe, just maybe Bennett has seen the rumors and he doesn't want to play with jagr and is dragging this out in hopes he signs elsewhere. Everyone thinks why wouldn't he want to play with an aging legend.. but some for some reason wouldn't surprise me if he would prefer younger, faster linemate. I'm not saying I believe this just a different perspective. What I do believe is Tre currently has is wizard hat on and is just watching the puzzle pieces fall into place

That is ridiculous. Bennett's camp is not slowing negotiations because of rumours from hockey bloggers.

I think the sticking point is primarily term. As for opportunity and his place on the team long term, there is no way that the Flames corner themselves into choosing between Backlund or Bennett this year. I think the plan is to split icetime more evenly among the top nine for the next couple of seasons, and to transition Bennett into gradually more offensive situations as he matures.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

News Update

Dreger backtracking now:

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
Likelihood something gets done with the Flames.

Of course.

[Huntingwhale]

But what about ''good riddance and go to Europe", arrogance, souring, etc?

[djsFlames]

What an ape.

[DJones]

Originally Posted by DJones

"If Bennett doesn't get signed, what would he do, go play overseas?"

"Yes, that would be an option"

*Dreger Headline: Bennett's going to Europe

Just going to quote myself from this morning haha.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

News Update

Dreger backtracking now:

Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
Likelihood something gets done with the Flames.

Oh sure, and here I am half way done my effigy.