[News] All-encompassing Bennett trade discussions thread

[DeluxeMoustache]

^ I generally like this post

The one thing I have to say is that not all short guys are built like brick #### houses . Martin St Louis has been very clear that the massive legs are genetic.

I also will volunteer that I really disliked the way Marty was dumped. Not only did he show a bit of promise, he was particularly quite active in trying to support the Flames in the community. I noticed this and was pretty annoyed with the indifference of the org to him. (Somehow I really disliked him in 2004, not sure what changed.)

Mang has developed nicely. Glad the new mgmt has given him his due

I like Phillips and hope for the beat for him and the team

[Murph]

Originally Posted by Johnny Makarov

One thing i didn't miss about Roberts and Niewy leaving. Every flipping broadcast they always mentioned that they played lacrosse together when they were kids. Who the eff cares?

Worse than Pardy being from Newfoundland.

Correction - Bonavista, Newfoundland.

[aaronkarlpatton]

Originally Posted by Pickle Juice

Sign me up for Jordan Greenway.

Yes, 100%

Sent from my CLT-L04 using Tapatalk

[kyuss275]

I really don’t get the Roberts - Bennett comparisons? Bennett reminds me more of Hagman in his later years.

[Camronius]

Originally Posted by kyuss275

I really don’t get the Roberts - Bennett comparisons? Bennett reminds me more of Hagman in his later years.

Hagman was insanely skilled, his puck control was phenomenal. Hagman was not physical at all. I’m not sure the comparison being made?

I think when people are using the Roberts comparison, it’s not to say he is anywhere close to Roberts, but perhaps that’s the player he could be. Bennett is not skilled (ie; he can’t control the puck to save his life). One of the skills Bennett lacks is the ability to slow the play down and hold the puck. He does everything at 300 mph. It’s good for energy, and it’s good for the forecheck, but it’s terrible for giveaways and penalties. If he could learn to adjust his motor, play better positionally and pick his spots he could be a very effective player in the mold of someone like Gary Roberts.

He’s played really well the last two games. I think that’s partly because of the situation recently and the opportunity given. The biggest factor I think however, is the team has been playing well across the board. There is a lot less pressure and focus when everyone is playing well, and you’re sheltered on a successful tandem. We may have the perfect recipe for Sam to develop properly (for him).

[transplant99]

Man what a difference it would make to this team if this version of Sam Bennett the last couple games became the norm. We have certainly seen a flash of it here and there, but any consistency has been maddeningly absent.

When he is engaged and just playing like he can instead of worrying where to be or how to contribute on his line, he is an actual effective and noticeable NHL player, albeit with a limited skill set.

If there is even another level there for him inside, then he will be a bonafide key piece of the team.

Bulldog Bennett would be full boss.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Man what a difference it would make to this team if this version of Sam Bennett the last couple games became the norm. We have certainly seen a flash of it here and there, but any consistency has been maddeningly absent.

When he is engaged and just playing like he can instead of worrying where to be or how to contribute on his line, he is an actual effective and noticeable NHL player, albeit with a limited skill set.

If there is even another level there for him inside, then he will be a bonafide key piece of the team.

Bulldog Bennett would be full boss.

He was flying out there. Another spring in his step. Sometimes, the best player is one that doesn’t put up points every night but gives a consistent effort. And then the points roll afterwards. I think Bennett is going to have a good rest of the month if he continues to play the way he has for the past two nights.

[Textcritic]

I have been one who has been hard on Bennett for his below-average collection of hockey skills, but the last few games I have seen a lot of MUCH smarter play from him. I thought his puck movement has been dramatically improved, and he has been increasingly less prone to skating the puck by himself into a wall of defensemen.

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[Strange Brew]

The Bennett one man puck carrying show would get him yanked off a line with Gaudreau within a couple of shifts. So it is encouraging there is some recognition on his part on what he needs to do to be effective on a line with a couple of skilled players.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

The Bennett one man puck carrying show would get him yanked off a line with Gaudreau within a couple of shifts. So it is encouraging there is some recognition on his part on what he needs to do to be effective on a line with a couple of skilled players.

Every now and then he does need to keep it and drive the zone himself. A big problem with that line is that it becomes too predictable with the "get it to Johnny" mentality. I'm liking the mix so far, and am really happy for Bennett.

[Mightyfire89]

It’s pretty clear to me that Bennett feels and has always felt that he should be on the 1st line or at least consistently in the top six, playing with the teams top players. When that doesn’t happen, he’s not engaged and doesn’t put in max effort. That’s on him and is a poor attitude to have, but I believe that’s how he’s wired. He always puts in max effort in the playoffs, presumably because it’s the playoffs, and he feels like it’s far more important than the regular season (Duh).

I do think the organization should have been able to recognize this and give him a much longer audition in the top six with consistent line mates, much earlier than this. You have to know the strengths and weaknesses of the guys you have and act accordingly to maximize your assets.

It’s interesting seeing him look much better playing with Gaudreau and Monahan and it makes me cautiously optimistic, but I think it might be too late and I also have little confidence that the Flames will leave him there for a long enough look to see what they actually have. All of that provided he isn’t traded of course.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Man what a difference it would make to this team if this version of Sam Bennett the last couple games became the norm. We have certainly seen a flash of it here and there, but any consistency has been maddeningly absent.

I agree to an extent. If Bennett can continue his play it would help the team if they can find the right combination. I still don't see a fit with Gaudreau and Monahan.

Yes, Bennett is working hard and running around, but he still doesn't make anything happen for the guys he's playing with. Bennett's game is all about chaos, which Gaudreau and Monahan play a game of control. Bennett is dump and chase, crash and bang, while Gaudreau and Monahan are puck control and score off the rush. What I am seeing is a lot more play along the boards and pucks circling the boards. What makes the pair effective is their use of open ice and exploiting gaps. Bennett doesn't get this and actually clogs up the gaps because of his physical bull in a china shop approach. Bennett more often than not ends up in the same space as one of his linemates which makes the play die quickly. For a line that lives and dies on flow, they have put in place a disruptive force to what makes the line successful.

Here's the tough thing. There are two slots open for Bennett IMO. With Gaudreau and Monahan or with the 4th liners. Bennett's game is more like the latter than the former, but the team needs him to be successful in the former. This is a square peg being hammered into the proverbial round hole. He may be trying hard, and the fans may love his hustle, but the efficacy of the line is not high. I'd say give him to the Toronto trip and see if they can produce. We should know by the Toronto games if there is any hope. If he doesn't produce in six games versus Vancouver and Edmonton then the experiment is likely over. The bottom line is the line has to produce and he has to produce. If he plays well but the line can't score, his personal success is for naught.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by New Era

I agree to an extent. If Bennett can continue his play it would help the team if they can find the right combination. I still don't see a fit with Gaudreau and Monahan.

Yes, Bennett is working hard and running around, but he still doesn't make anything happen for the guys he's playing with. Bennett's game is all about chaos, which Gaudreau and Monahan play a game of control. Bennett is dump and chase, crash and bang, while Gaudreau and Monahan are puck control and score off the rush. What I am seeing is a lot more play along the boards and pucks circling the boards. What makes the pair effective is their use of open ice and exploiting gaps. Bennett doesn't get this and actually clogs up the gaps because of his physical bull in a china shop approach. Bennett more often than not ends up in the same space as one of his linemates which makes the play die quickly. For a line that lives and dies on flow, they have put in place a disruptive force to what makes the line successful.

Here's the tough thing. There are two slots open for Bennett IMO. With Gaudreau and Monahan or with the 4th liners. Bennett's game is more like the latter than the former, but the team needs him to be successful in the former. This is a square peg being hammered into the proverbial round hole. He may be trying hard, and the fans may love his hustle, but the efficacy of the line is not high. I'd say give him to the Toronto trip and see if they can produce. We should know by the Toronto games if there is any hope. If he doesn't produce in six games versus Vancouver and Edmonton then the experiment is likely over. The bottom line is the line has to produce and he has to produce. If he plays well but the line can't score, his personal success is for naught.

You talk as if we have a better option than Bennett.

We don't. Simon, Leivo, Nordstrom, Mangiapane - none of them have worked. Bennett has looked better there than any of the other players cycled through this line so far this season.

"The experiment is over" and go right back to players who have been completely useless on the line like Leivo, Simon and Nordstrom? Bennett has been the best player to join Gaudreau and Monahan this season.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

You talk as if we have a better option than Bennett.

We don't. Simon, Leivo, Nordstrom, Mangiapane - none of them have worked. Bennett has looked better there than any of the other players cycled through this line so far this season.

"The experiment is over" and go right back to completely useless players like Leivo, Simon and Nordstrom playing in that spot? Bennett has been the best player to join Gaudreau and Monahan this season.

More importantly - Gaudreau and Monahan's usual style of play has a track record of failure come the post season.

They're high enough IQ players, I hope, that they can adjust their game to play with Bennett, our leading playoff even strength point producer, rather than just continuing to do the same things that have made THEM unsuccessful in meaningful games outside of the PP.

As for that line's failure without an east-west player? Wasn't Backlund supposed to fit with them based on how New Era describes their game? Yet that was a royal disaster and was STILL given more time than he proposes Bennett be given.

Do I think that line is ideal? No, Bennett's a center and still looks a bit stifled on the wing. I would sooner see him down the middle, as I think the team is better with him at that position.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

More importantly - Gaudreau and Monahan's usual style of play has a track record of failure come the post season.

They're high enough IQ players, I hope, that they can adjust their game to play with Bennett, our leading playoff even strength point producer, rather than just continuing to do the same things that have made THEM unsuccessful in meaningful games outside of the PP.

As for that line's failure without an east-west player? Wasn't Backlund supposed to fit with them based on how New Era describes their game? Yet that was a royal disaster and was STILL given more time than he proposes Bennett be given.

Do I think that line is ideal? No, Bennett's a center and still looks a bit stifled on the wing. I would sooner see him down the middle, as I think the team is better with him at that position.

We’ve lucked out without injuries with our top 3 centers. Bennett is great insurance to slot as the middle 6 when called upon.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by New Era

I agree to an extent. If Bennett can continue his play it would help the team if they can find the right combination. I still don't see a fit with Gaudreau and Monahan.

Yes, Bennett is working hard and running around, but he still doesn't make anything happen for the guys he's playing with. Bennett's game is all about chaos, which Gaudreau and Monahan play a game of control. Bennett is dump and chase, crash and bang, while Gaudreau and Monahan are puck control and score off the rush. What I am seeing is a lot more play along the boards and pucks circling the boards. What makes the pair effective is their use of open ice and exploiting gaps. Bennett doesn't get this and actually clogs up the gaps because of his physical bull in a china shop approach. Bennett more often than not ends up in the same space as one of his linemates which makes the play die quickly. For a line that lives and dies on flow, they have put in place a disruptive force to what makes the line successful.

Yeah, this has been precisely my complaint in the past, but I think you are wrong about last night's game. I thought Bennett was doing things on that line better than he has done so in the past, and looked like he fit there as a result of it. More than any time I can remember he was consistent through the whole game, and I thought made some nice plays.

[calumniate]

No penalties from Sam last night. Quite the accomplishment

[sureLoss]

Friedman in his 31 thoughts says Ducks, Avs, and BJs have checked in on Bennett. He is also curious if the Pens reach out now that they have hired Burke.

[SeanCharles]

If he sticks in the top 6 he won’t be going anywhere..

[Toonage]

Given all the talks the Flames & Jackets allegedly had in the off season, there could be a deal to be ironed out there if they do want to move on from Bennett.

Wonder if Rittich & Merzlikins would be part of a swap. They were rumored to be in on the deal that would have sent Josh Anderson to Calgary.