The Legend of Sam Bennett

[Patek23]

I love some people throwing out “Bennett was never going to crack our top 6”. Like we have some crazy depth here LOL he’s playing top 6 on one of the top teams in the league this year. I’m pretty damn sure our top 6 was crackable. He was just never given the leash he needed to be himself. But let’s not kid ourselves that our top 6 is somehow more stacked then Florida here.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Meh, I think it'd be funny. Although I imagine some fans would get their noses out of joint over it and it may become an adventure going to games after awhile.

He can buy and wear whatever he wants...to say you will wear it until a guy gets fired is kinda silly though.

95% of this place and really the hockey world in general thought this was a good deal or at the very least fair two weeks ago.

Tre might lose his job and maybe he should but it won't be because of this trade.

[kukkudo]

Originally Posted by dino7c

He can buy and wear whatever he wants...to say you will wear it until a guy gets fired is kinda silly though.

95% of this place and really the hockey world in general thought this was a good deal or at the very least fair two weeks ago.

Tre might lose his job and maybe he should but it won't be because of this trade.

Everyone thought the trade was good two weeks ago. I still think it’s decent but nobody expected him to do what he’s doing right now.

[Infinit47]

Maybe we should with more than two weeks before determine who won this trade. And even if Sam finds his game, who cares. He busted his butt here and I hope he is successful elsewhere...in the Eastern Conference.

[flamesgod]

Originally Posted by Infinit47

Maybe we should with more than two weeks before determine who won this trade. And even if Sam finds his game, who cares. He busted his butt here and I hope he is successful elsewhere...in the Eastern Conference.

He busted here because he never played his natural position. And he almost always played with plugs.

[Bourque's Twin]

Originally Posted by kukkudo

Everyone thought the trade was good two weeks ago. I still think it’s decent but nobody expected him to do what he’s doing right now.

It was a good deal because of Bennett’s level of play at the time, and no one disagreed with that. However, many posters and myself included aren’t surprised that Bennett is succeeding. Maybe not point per game, but It’s pretty obvious he didn’t get a fair shake here and had a lot more play to give.

[Jaydee]

Originally Posted by InternationalVillager

I'm super excited for Bennett in Florida and hope he kills it. The Flames mismanaged his career in Calgary. As a result, management needs to be held accountable.

As for what Bennett killing it in Florida actually means? It means (atleast to me) that the Flames don't have a Huberdeau or Barkov or anyone close to their calibre. Makes me feel real sad.

we used to have a Bennett...

[Mr.Coffee]

I’m not sure it’s case closed yet but man, the evidence is getting pretty overwhelming that the Flames have a major development problem. Like, not sure exactly what but, also not sure how that could be debated too much.

It’s a generalized statement, so I’m sure there are outliers people will use to pick my argument apart but I feel like Bennett is the cherry on top of a long baked cake of evidence that there is fundamentally something wrong with our development of young talent.

Probably a new thread but I’ll start. I seem to get the sense that other teams give young fresh legs a chance sooner than in Calgary. Could be wrong but the Flames strike me as a team that doesn’t give young players much of a chance, and that young players / rookies etc kinda need to earn their stripes. In short- not a meritocracy. I’ll give a recent example. A guy like Kylington who obviously makes mistakes, but I’m not sure any more egregious than some vets make nor- especially Valemaki- who has looked like a straight up tire fire at times this season. I just fundamentally don’t understand what risk the Flames see in playing him as every time I’ve seen him he has been good with the odd gaffes.

[Classic_Sniper]

I think Bennett's early success should dispel any notion that this Flames team is talented or skilled enough. I hear that all the time here on the radio, on overtime and etc etc and I laugh every time I hear that, talk about low standards, but I digress. Bennett was expected to drive a lot of his line's success here especially in the bottom 6 and that's just not his game IMO.

When you see truly skilled players like Huberdeau and Barkov and even an Anthony Duclair play, you realize just how awful this Flames team really is. Brad Treliving's Corsi Kings have regularly finished top 5, top 10 in Corsi every year, but as they've proven year after year, they have the finish of a bunch of beer leaguers.

I remember a true sniper like Iggy would need maybe a chance or 2 per night to pot one in, the current rendition of the Flames need like 10 just bury one. Wide open net? Off the post. One timer? Shot wide. Free in the slot? Into the goalie's crest with no rebound. It's been like this for 5 years. They're just a lousy team at finishing.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

I’m not sure it’s case closed yet but man, the evidence is getting pretty overwhelming that the Flames have a major development problem. Like, not sure exactly what but, also not sure how that could be debated too much.

It's pretty clear what, actually.

The organization is too risk-averse.

Someone in the draft thread mentioned that Owen Power could start next season as the #6.

That is the sort of risk aversion I am talking about.

If we were to draft Owen Power we should be moving out bodies and playing a kid like Power as our #1D. Like the Panthers did with Ekblad. Like the Sabres did with Dahlin.
Like the Avs did with Makar .

If we suck we suck, but it would be an investment.

But you just know Power would be our #6D if we drafted him. Then maybe 6 years later he might be our #4 while we promote the underwhelming vet Hanifin to the top pair.

[Calgary4LIfe]

In that interview with Ryan Leslie, Bennett stated that he was somewhat surprised at how well he was treated even though his production was below expectations. I personally feel that a large measure of why he was still rather liked among the fanbase is a combination of many fans 'seeing something' in him and feeling he wasn't being developed properly, how he was always quick to stick up for teammates, how he just 'brought it' in the playoffs, and of course the Lanny 'stache.



I don't see a reason why I should dislike Bennett, or wish him the worst. I always felt that the kid tried hard, and found other ways to try and contribute even though things weren't working out. However, I also don't hate Gary Leeman either - I hated Riseborough for being an idiot on the trade, and I hate Fletcher for taking advantage of Riseborough, but it doesn't make sense for me to hate Leeman.


I think there are legitimate players to hate - players like Erixon, or Drury - guys that didn't give this team a chance. Then you have guys like Marchment who I hated because he tried to end other players' careers, even before he was ever a Flame. Hate Bertuzzi. I hate Cooke. I hate that slimeball Avery. I just don't get why you should hate a player that didn't work out. I don't hate Fata. I don't hate any other player that just didn't work out here as hoped.


I hate every dirty filthy Oiler that ever was though. That's called righteous hate, and that's the best kind of hate there is.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

In that interview with Ryan Leslie, Bennett stated that he was somewhat surprised at how well he was treated even though his production was below expectations. I personally feel that a large measure of why he was still rather liked among the fanbase is a combination of many fans 'seeing something' in him and feeling he wasn't being developed properly, how he was always quick to stick up for teammates, how he just 'brought it' in the playoffs, and of course the Lanny 'stache.



I don't see a reason why I should dislike Bennett, or wish him the worst. I always felt that the kid tried hard, and found other ways to try and contribute even though things weren't working out. However, I also don't hate Gary Leeman either - I hated Riseborough for being an idiot on the trade, and I hate Fletcher for taking advantage of Riseborough, but it doesn't make sense for me to hate Leeman.


I think there are legitimate players to hate - players like Erixon, or Drury - guys that didn't give this team a chance. Then you have guys like Marchment who I hated because he tried to end other players' careers, even before he was ever a Flame. Hate Bertuzzi. I hate Cooke. I hate that slimeball Avery. I just don't get why you should hate a player that didn't work out. I don't hate Fata. I don't hate any other player that just didn't work out here as hoped.


I hate every dirty filthy Oiler that ever was though. That's called righteous hate, and that's the best kind of hate there is.

I agree with this, except I loved Bertuzzi. Wanted him re-signed.

[Hackey]

I'm happy to see Bennett doing well but it is still so early. We've seen a lot of Bennett and I just don't see him keeping this up. Maybe he won't regress as bad as Neal did but I don't see him continuing to produce anything close to this for a prolonged period of time. If he does however, I'll be happy for him.

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by InternationalVillager

I'm super excited for Bennett in Florida and hope he kills it. The Flames mismanaged his career in Calgary. As a result, management needs to be held accountable.

As for what Bennett killing it in Florida actually means? It means (atleast to me) that the Flames don't have a Huberdeau or Barkov or anyone close to their calibre. Makes me feel real sad.

Huberdeau is really good but I wouldn't lump him with Barkov who's IMO a top 10 player in the game right now. Huberdeau can't carry a line like Barkov can.


But again I don't know why Bennett didn't get to center guys like Gaudreau and Lindholm. Like why couldn't they give them 30 games top six minutes and see how it goes. It's not like the results have been so mind blowingly good with this team to not try something else.

[Snuffleupagus]

Bennett was on his way under Sutter but it was too late as the team relationship was over, Like Sutter, Quenneville plays his players to their strengths and doesn't try to re-invent them.

Under Bob Hartley Sam was on his way to be a top 2 center and then the Gulutzan era destroyed him by slowly beating him down to the 4th line and out of position.

Sam is still only 24 so we should get used to seeing Sam succeeding under a coach like Quenneville

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

Bennett was on his way under Sutter but it was too late as the team relationship was over, Like Sutter, Quenneville plays his players to their strengths and doesn't try to re-invent them.

Under Bob Hartley Sam was on his way to be a top 2 center and then the Gulutzan era destroyed him by slowly beating him down to the 4th line and out of position.

Sam is still only 24 so we should get used to seeing Sam succeeding under a coach like Quenneville

[tkflames]

Originally Posted by Saqe

Huberdeau is really good but I wouldn't lump him with Barkov who's IMO a top 10 player in the game right now. Huberdeau can't carry a line like Barkov can.


But again I don't know why Bennett didn't get to center guys like Gaudreau and Lindholm. Like why couldn't they give them 30 games top six minutes and see how it goes. It's not like the results have been so mind blowingly good with this team to not try something else.

So...which of Bennett or Bargain Basement Duclair is suddenly carrying the line. This is nonsense and shows that you likely haven't seen Huberdeau play in years. I would take Huberdeau 10/10 over Gaudreau to carry a line as a winger.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by tkflames

So...which of Bennett or Bargain Basement Duclair is suddenly carrying the line. This is nonsense and shows that you likely haven't seen Huberdeau play in years. I would take Huberdeau 10/10 over Gaudreau to carry a line as a winger.

LOL, Saqe is probably the only other consistent Panthers fan on this site other than me. They know what they're talking about, and they watch the Panthers all the time.

Personally, I disagree with that assessment as well. I think Huberdeau more than carries his linemates, but he's definitely not on the same level as Barkov as an all-around player. Still undervalued, and easily in the top 50 players in the NHL.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by tkflames

So...which of Bennett or Bargain Basement Duclair is suddenly carrying the line.

When a line is as successful as this (not only in scoring but shot suppression, chance suppression, chance generation) there is no carrying being done. It's usually a sign that all five guys on the ice are clicking.

Just as Giordano didn't "carry" Brodie despite winning a Norris, just as Gaudreau didn't "carry" Ferland despite being the higher scoring player on the line. Sometimes players just fit together and bring their own unique strengths while offsetting each other's weaknesses.

It seems Bennett is a fit with Huberdeau as a center, which from browsing random Panthers fans' comments, where even a guy like Vincent Trochek didn't quite fit the same way.

From what I have seen, that line forechecks incredibly well. They use their speed and collective positioning to turn pucks over in all three zones and push the pace. It requires all three guys to do their job. Kind of reminds me of 3M in their best days, but no one has Tkachuk's questionable footspeed so it's an even faster line. And when someone coughs up the puck, they support each other by getting it right back. It's the kind of support Bennett never had here because we gave him slow linemates like Neal or Leivo.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Saqe

Huberdeau is really good but I wouldn't lump him with Barkov who's IMO a top 10 player in the game right now. Huberdeau can't carry a line like Barkov can.


But again I don't know why Bennett didn't get to center guys like Gaudreau and Lindholm. Like why couldn't they give them 30 games top six minutes and see how it goes. It's not like the results have been so mind blowingly good with this team to not try something else.

Well he didn’t centre Lindholm because Lindholm (IMO) was brought in as a centre. And he was brought in because Bennett wasn’t looking good.

At what point did Bennett ever look like he should centre Gaudreau?