Practice Notes 16 December: Geoff Ward to begin career coaching Aussie Rules football

[EldrickOnIce]

Is it surprising that Bennett was hurt and didn't play during the 7 game win streak? Not really

[jaikorven]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Is it surprising that Bennett was hurt and didn't play during the 7 game win streak? Not really

Not sure what is being suggested, but is it your opinion that we wouldn't have had a win streak if Bennett was playing?

[Harry Lime]

Originally Posted by jaikorven

Not sure what is being suggested, but is it your opinion that we wouldn't have had a win streak if Bennett was playing?

Yes, that is what he is suggesting. Bennett is colorblind, and frequently shoots on his own net, while wearing his skates on the wrong feet.

[jaikorven]

It is actually quite the stark line fans seem to have with Bennett these days. They either love him or they hate him. Not many seem to land in the middle. Mind you, maybe they are just less vocal about it compared to the extremists.

[Steve Bozek]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

Yes, that is what he is suggesting. Bennett is colorblind, and frequently shoots on his own net, while wearing his skates on the wrong feet.

After Jankowski is burned at the stake, it’ll be Bennett’s turn.

[Stanley]

I'd like to see Benny center the 4th line and waive Janko

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by jaikorven

It is actually quite the stark line fans seem to have with Bennett these days. They either love him or they hate him. Not many seem to land in the middle. Mind you, maybe they are just less vocal about it compared to the extremists.

I think a lot of fans fall in the middle and are realistic. However, there are a few fans that are so ridiculously negative, that other people reactive with strong positivity just to counter-balance them.

[Monahammer]

I am relatively middle of the road on Bennett. I think he's serviceable but I do not see any of the upside that some people still hold on to. It is thinking of this potential upside that makes me think he would be more valuable to this club in a trade for a bigger piece at this point. Perhaps free from this club and the expectations of his draft position he will be able to blossom, but it is just not going to happen in flames red.

[Steve Bozek]

In the early days I thought Bennett might be like Gary Roberts was in his first couple of seasons - tough, not scoring a lot, taking a lot of stupid penalties, and then blossoming into a stud. I still hope for that from Bennett, but I think the chances of it happening are getting pretty slim.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Steve Bozek

In the early days I was just thought Bennett might be like Gary Roberts was in his first couple of seasons - tough, not scoring a lot, taking a lot of stupid penalties, and then blossoming into a stud. I still hope for that from Bennett, but I think the chances of it happening are getting pretty slim.

Gary Roberts is a pretty high bar. However, Bennett has all of the tools to be a great player. I think the chances of him putting it together and becoming a very good NHLer are still very reasonable. Is it a sure thing? Of course not. But he's 23, there are still maybe 5 to 7 years of playing time before those skills start to erode - plenty of time for things to fall into place.

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

However, Bennett has all of the tools to be a great player. I think the chances of him putting it together and becoming a very good NHLer are still very reasonable. Is it a sure thing? Of course not. But he's 23, there are still maybe 5 to 7 years of playing time before those skills start to erode - plenty of time for things to fall into place.

Is hockey IQ a tool? Because it it is, he definitely ain't got that.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Tyler

Is hockey IQ a tool? Because it it is, he definitely ain't got that.

I think that is a very over-used phrase. Yes, he makes too many dumb plays. But lots of players go through that and then figure it out. That is literally the difference between where he is and where he needs to be. Some guys never take that step of course, but lots do.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I think that is a very over-used phrase. Yes, he makes too many dumb plays. But lots of players go through that and then figure it out. That is literally the difference between where he is and where he needs to be. Some guys never take that step of course, but lots do.

Some guys take that step in their mid-twenties, but most do not.

[Scroopy Noopers]

I see Bennett having a Dustin Brown type career. Maybe gets lucky for a season or 2 with above average goal output, but mostly brings physicality and drive (and hopefully leadership).

Loubo time:
Does that meet draft day expectations? No.
Am I still happy the player is on the team? Yes.

[goodyear]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Loubo time:
Does that meet draft day expectations? No.
Am I still happy the player is on the team? Yes.

I read that in Loubo's voice.

That's some kind of analysis!

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by goodyear

I read that in Loubo's voice.

That's some kind of analysis!

One word: Pretty good.

[Poe969]

Bennett is likely a career third line guy and every team needs guys like that on their team so I wouldn't trade him just to trade him but if a team was willing to overpay for him because they thought he had more potential, then deal him for more than he's worth.

[DJones]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Is it surprising that Bennett was hurt and didn't play during the 7 game win streak? Not really

When he got injured they started the losing streak...