19-year old Sam Bennett - Expectations for 15/16 season

[Eric]

Looking at these poll results, over 80% of us thought Bennett would finish with more points this year. Are we disappointed with his season?

I think he's shown flashes of what he can do, but we won't see it consistently for another couple of years.

[codynw]

I am the 12.80%

[GreenLantern]

He finished one point above where I thought he would. Showed us a lot of raw talent, was an impressive rookie season. I think his type of game is one you just have to grow into and the ceiling is high for him.

[GoJetsGo]

There were definitely some flashes and regardless of the points he comes as advertised having a motor that doesn't stop and being fearless.

I think at the end of the day, he's going to take a few years to reach his peak because he's paying a man's game in a boy's body. When he has another 10 pounds or so he'll be a force to be reckoned with and I imagine we'll see him convert on a lot more of those drives.

[Monahan For Mayor]

I think it's just a matter of time. He needs to build more strength, and find his consistency. The skill and drive are there, he will explode soon enough.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Monahan For Mayor

I think it's just a matter of time. He needs to build more strength, and find his consistency. The skill and drive are there, he will explode soon enough.

I really hope both Benett and Monahan can eventually start the season in the 220 lbs range.

That's the kind of size, combined with skill that is hard to stop!

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by Eric

Looking at these poll results, over 80% of us thought Bennett would finish with more points this year. Are we disappointed with his season?.

I think some people were expecting a little too much after Gaudreau's rookie season, as well as Bennett's post-season performance last year.
He had a good year, and I expect him to take another step forward next season.

His 18G + 18A wasn't far off from what I was expecting out of him.

Originally Posted by The Fonz

15G + 20A. Let's not expect the world from this kid in his rookie season.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by Moneyhands23

I really hope both Benett and Monahan can eventually start the season in the 220 lbs range.

That's the kind of size, combined with skill that is hard to stop!

I don't think Bennetts frame is built to be 220 pounds. Monahan I could see.

I think we are more likely to see at peak fitness...

Monahan 6'3 215 Pounds
Bennett 6'1 205 Pounds

[Itse]

Meh, 5 points isn't a huge difference. I think with some better luck he might have gotten that. Overall I'm okay with his first season.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

He finished exactly where I thought he would.

With 15-20 goals, and closing out the season playing centre in the middle of the rotation.

That's a great outcome.

I don't know what's going to happen in the future, but the sky is the limit for this kid.

I see him getting 50-60 points next seasons, and I'll lay money that he hits 30 goals at least once.

[Racki]

If we were to end up with a big, skilled centre like Mathews (fingers crossed) or Dubois in the draft this year I see Bennett ending up on the wing. I mentioned in another thread, it's not a slight against the guy if you put him on the wing. He's a goal scorer, there's plenty of great goal scorers that make their hay playing on the wing.

[memphusk]

After watching Bennett throughout the season I wasn't disappointed or blown away. Thank #### Mr. Gaudreau and Mr. Monahan were here to take the focus off Bennett or the animals would have torn him apart. One thing that stood out for me watching Bennett this year was his visor. It is too close to the eyes and forehead.

[DoubleK]

I'm not a believer. He's going to turn out to be a 3rd or 4th line C.

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

I'm not a believer. He's going to turn out to be a 3rd or 4th line C.

Haha nice try buddy.. How often do 19 year olds get 35+ points as a rookie? Monahan didn't even quite reach that point total with 22-12-34.

There was a sizeable stretch early in the season where he was our best player each night.

Bennett is going to be a beauty and we all know it!

[heep223]

He's probably going to put on a crap ton of weight this summer. That's when Monahan really filled out as well. Pretty pumped to see what Bennett would do at 200lbs...

[hockey.modern]

Didn't Bennett put on something crazy like 8-10lbs of muscle last summer? Assuming he's at 195ish, he could be starting next year around the 200-205 range.

[Dajazz]

He needs some skill on the wings and somebody to keep up with his pace. Colborne is solid, but plays a completely different game. Get him a skilled winger and a wrecking ball (i.e. Ferland) and I think he will start producing. He also appeared to have really good chemistry with Gaudreau, then again... I'd probably look good with him bouncing pucks of my forehead.

[Displaced Flames fan]

The thing about Bennett is his drive and attitude. There is no way a kid with his talent and the level of compete and want he has ends up as a 3rd liner. There's just no way.

That is usually the difference between good and great players. Bennett won't let himself fail or underachieve. The kid tried to play with a worthless shoulder for goodness sake. Who does that?

[Hackey]

I was one tier higher but I'm fine with his season. As long as he continues to build on it which I 100% think he will everything should be good.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

GAH! Misread the title of the thread. I only voted now, but I voted for 56-60 points.......but I thought this was for next year. Add some weight and experience, and give him a couple of decent winger, he'll have a Monahan-like jump in his 2nd season.

But I guess my thoughts are for another thread on another day.