The Legend of Sam Bennett

[The Boy Wonder]

My favourite quote of the year was Darryl very subtly mentioning after the trade that he wished Bennett was still around and that he wished they’d have more time working together.

Can’t imagine sutter feeling that way about many other guys on this team... not many “sutter players” on this roster.

[InternationalVillager]

Originally Posted by keenan87

Hot streak and playing with some elite players. He will be back to the third line next season. There have been many mediocre players that have looked good on the Panthers over the past few years.

This is such a head in the sand comment.

Yeah - two such mediocre players - Marchessault and Smith seem to be doing great on Vegas.

I envision Bennett continuing to have success and putting up 55-60 points next season if the Panthers continue playing him with Huberdeau and the top PP. That guys a 90+ point player.

[keenan87]

Originally Posted by Wood

Honest question, have you watched Bennett play at all in Florida?

I will be honest, not a ton. However, I really don't believe he has all of a sudden turned into an elite #1 centre.

[InternationalVillager]

Originally Posted by keenan87

I will be honest, not a ton. However, I really don't believe he has all of a sudden turned into an elite #1 centre.

He hasn’t turned into an elite #1 center. That’s Barkov.

He has been given the opportunity to play with an elite player in Huberdeau at ES and Barkov/Huberdeau on the PP. His ice-time has increased from 13 mins to 18 mins. He now plays in all situations.

His success is coming directly as a result of playing with more talented players and a vastly increased role.

[Wood]

Originally Posted by keenan87

I will be honest, not a ton. However, I really don't believe he has all of a sudden turned into an elite #1 centre.

Me neither, but he looks like a great #2 who is succeeding in all situations. He looks like a stud on the PP

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by keenan87

I will be honest, not a ton. However, I really don't believe he has all of a sudden turned into an elite #1 centre.

He's not, but he is a very good #2 who does the hard work at both ends of the ice, gets pucks for his wingers who create offense, and he benefits from that because his wingers are really good. He's doing a LOT of little things all over the ice to help his team win. Tons of hits too. Is a key penalty killer and is being counted on to shutdown the Point line tonight.

In one case, Wennberg's line was set to start in their own zone, but instead of Wennberg, they put Sam out there to take the defensive zone faceoff. He won it cleanly and then went to change.

Clearly the coaches see what Sam is doing. It's not purely about points either.

Side note: the stats guys had to point out that Sam has covered the most ice of any player on the Panthers tonight (pure distance). The kid is hustling.

[dammage79]

So mad the team I cheer for has it head so far up its own arse it couldn't do for Bennett what FLA is doing now.

[keenan87]

Originally Posted by Wood

Me neither, but he looks like a great #2 who is succeeding in all situations. He looks like a stud on the PP

Fair enough. All the best to him as I don't have anything personal against him.

I just really don't see what the Flames could have done differently. They weren't breaking up Gaudreau and Monahan. Maybe if he played with Tkachuk? Just not sure he was ever going to work out here.

[chedder]

The thing I take solace in is that he asked to be moved and therefore was a distraction. I don't think we'd ever see this Sam Bennett here.

[Hackey]

Another 2 pts again so far tonight. Maybe he won't go James Neal.

[Gaskal]

Every time I see this thread bumped during game time I just think in my head "Ah, good ol Benny must be having another multi point game!"



Never disappoints.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by dammage79

So mad the team I cheer for has it head so far up its own arse it couldn't do for Bennett what FLA is doing now.

It is frustrating, but it is a sign that the Flames need to clean house and make some internal improvements. Sometimes situations like these can be game changers for improvement. Will the Flames get the memo is the big question.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

Every time I see this thread bumped during game time I just think in my head "Ah, good ol Benny must be having another multi point game!"



Never disappoints.

Can you imagine a Panthers fan doing an ATL on this thread alone? The mind reels.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

He's not, but he is a very good #2

I don't think it would be crazy to consider him a "1" if he maintains PPG production.

He's obviously a tier below Barkov, McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Eichel, Point etc. No argument there. But there are a lot of second-tier "#1" centers along the lines of Stamkos, O'Reilly, Toews, Tavares, Backstrom. And Bennett as you noted does a lot that goes beyond production. I honestly think he looks better down the middle than Lindholm does for us.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

Every time I see this thread bumped during game time I just think in my head "Ah, good ol Benny must be having another multi point game!"



Never disappoints.

It is great to see. The Panthers took a different approach and played the former 4th overall pick with some skilled players. It appears that approach is working out nicely for them.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Hackey

Another 2 pts again so far tonight. Maybe he won't go James Neal.

To be fair Neal was the NHL goal scoring leader after 10 games

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

I don't think it would be crazy to consider him a "1" if he maintains PPG production.

He's obviously a tier below Barkov, McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Eichel, Point etc. No argument there. But there are a lot of second-tier "#1" centers along the lines of Stamkos, O'Reilly, Toews, Tavares, Backstrom. And Bennett as you noted does a lot that goes beyond production.

PPG is a pretty big IF. Obviously an 82 point player would be in that convo...remains to be seen

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

I don't think it would be crazy to consider him a "1" if he maintains PPG production.

He's obviously a tier below Barkov, McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Eichel, Point etc. No argument there. But there are a lot of second-tier "#1" centers along the lines of Stamkos, O'Reilly, Toews, Tavares, Backstrom. And Bennett as you noted does a lot that goes beyond production. I honestly think he looks better down the middle than Lindholm does for us.

Meh...

I know you're a big fan, but I think this is a bit of a stretch.

Come back to me if he does it over a full season. I suspect his real level is somewhere between what he did in Calgary and what we're seeing right now. That's still pretty good.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Meh...

I know you're a big fan, but I think this is a bit of a stretch.

Come back to me if he does it over a full season. I suspect his real level is somewhere between what he did in Calgary and what we're seeing right now. That's still pretty good.

Agreed, no need to create those high expectations. Just enjoy what you have and if he proves us all wrong good for him. Would be a great story, but those playoffs are going to fun to watch!

[djsFlames]

He still probably tops out at a 40-45 point player over a full season.

Not to say that isn't valuable with what he brings

But he was never the difference between us having great center depth and subpar center depth since he just didn't bring it as a Flame.

Whatever the reasons.. doesn't matter. Wasn't a fit, wasn't motivated, coach grudge.. he didn't bring his best consistently at any point.