Sam Bennett as a center or winger?

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by edslunch

I wouldn’t be surprised if he asks to be traded. Maybe the contract negotiations didn’t go the way he wanted, he feels he’s not in a position to succeed, he’s buried on the depth chart, needs a change....not that any of those by itself is a deal-breaker

There are examples even of Baertschi who had more success when they changed teams. He might look at that as a way out of his current funk.

I trust the organization is doing what they can to keep him positive. It’s not uncommon for people under a lot of (self-induced) pressure to look for an out.

This has been my worry too, we don't see the player in person but when you have MT passing him on the depth chart, that might not sit well with some players (in similar situations). Why not show some faith in Bennett move him up and down the lines give him ample PP time! Push his elite talents show him he is valued and appreciated. For example, we all know what Bennett can do in a shootout yet MT gets all the love and rightfully as he has earned it BUT we need Bennett on this team too!!

In other words they need to do more to make him feel like he is part of the team. Why not let Bennett feel good about himself, why not show him some trust and belief by putting him in the SO's; Or on the top line occasionally? Is the guy being punished.. he has been here long enough, done whats asked of him, yet he is stuck on the 3rd line probably wondering if he belongs.

[カナダ人です]

It's amazing home much rope high draft picks get. Obviously the potential is there, but if Bennett was a 5th rounder with zeros across the board 15 games into the season, he probably wouldn't still be on the roster.

Teams often claim meritocracies, but they really aren't.

*I'm not saying they should bench or trade or send Bennett down. The potential is there and obviously that's huge. Just saying 1st round picks get a lot of rope*

[Flash Walken]

The problem is you can't gift him time with the only two lines that are driving the bus for the team.

I think Tkachuk gets precious little recognition for just how good he has been playing with Backlund and Frolik. He's not just a passenger, he is actively making that line better than it was before he arrived there. So basically, you can't split up your best line and impact wins just to get one guy of 23 going a bit.

You can't stick Bennett up on the top line because those guys are basically the only ones driving the bus for offense, and they are doing so with complimentary finishers like Ferland and Versteeg. Ferland especially looks like he's found a legitimate home on the first line above anyone else on the roster based solely on merit.

If you give Bennett first line or second line ice at the expense of Tkachuk and Ferland, the team will suffer. Bennett just isn't demonstrating that he belongs there, and each win is too important to let fall by the wayside as you try to coax offense out of a guy who has only ever showed limited amounts of it at the NHL level.

If the team was losing a bunch then maybe you give it a shot, but they are competitive in games they probably shouldn't be and you need to ride that out for as long as it lasts.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

The problem is you can't gift him time with the only two lines that are driving the bus for the team.

I think Tkachuk gets precious little recognition for just how good he has been playing with Backlund and Frolik. He's not just a passenger, he is actively making that line better than it was before he arrived there. So basically, you can't split up your best line and impact wins just to get one guy of 23 going a bit.

You can't stick Bennett up on the top line because those guys are basically the only ones driving the bus for offense, and they are doing so with complimentary finishers like Ferland and Versteeg. Ferland especially looks like he's found a legitimate home on the first line above anyone else on the roster based solely on merit.

If you give Bennett first line or second line ice at the expense of Tkachuk and Ferland, the team will suffer. Bennett just isn't demonstrating that he belongs there, and each win is too important to let fall by the wayside as you try to coax offense out of a guy who has only ever showed limited amounts of it at the NHL level.

If the team was losing a bunch then maybe you give it a shot, but they are competitive in games they probably shouldn't be and you need to ride that out for as long as it lasts.

Yep, best chance to give him a free, unearned, but potentially life saving chance is when Ferland has his next slump. If he falls off for a couple games don't waste time, just throw Bennett in there see if we can salvage anything. Not just for him, but for the team.

[Finger Cookin]

If Bennett was a fifth rounder, he likely wouldn't have made the team in the first place. Considering only three fifth rounders from 2014 have even played an NHL game.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

The problem is you can't gift him time with the only two lines that are driving the bus for the team.

I think Tkachuk gets precious little recognition for just how good he has been playing with Backlund and Frolik. He's not just a passenger, he is actively making that line better than it was before he arrived there. So basically, you can't split up your best line and impact wins just to get one guy of 23 going a bit.

You can't stick Bennett up on the top line because those guys are basically the only ones driving the bus for offense, and they are doing so with complimentary finishers like Ferland and Versteeg. Ferland especially looks like he's found a legitimate home on the first line above anyone else on the roster based solely on merit.

If you give Bennett first line or second line ice at the expense of Tkachuk and Ferland, the team will suffer. Bennett just isn't demonstrating that he belongs there, and each win is too important to let fall by the wayside as you try to coax offense out of a guy who has only ever showed limited amounts of it at the NHL level.

If the team was losing a bunch then maybe you give it a shot, but they are competitive in games they probably shouldn't be and you need to ride that out for as long as it lasts.

Completely agree with these assessments ^^ Still I think when the opportunity is there we need to take a chance on Bennett. He may just surprise with the opportunity. Right now he probably doesn't feel like he fits and you have pretty much said as much, but as I suggested might be beneficial to move him up and down the top 2 lines when the opportunity is there. Might not be permanent but at least your telling the guy you believe in him and what to see what he has got!

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by GordonBlue

so with the right line mates, he's Eberle?

Eberle? When did I say Eberle? I think everyone would be happy if Sam Bennett became an Eberle though. He’s lead a team in scoring multiple times in his career. I was thinking Bennett with the right partner could be a 30 point player again, or optimistically maybe pot 20+ goals one day.

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by Bingo

He's become one of the best forwards on the team for his play down low as he's physical and almost dogged in how hunts down defenders in the corners and behind the net.

Where he seems to really hurt himself is by forcing things or refusing to take the easy play when he's carrying the puck.

If I was coaching him I'd just focus on grey zone turnovers, how many games can you go without one. That would have him getting pucks deep and not thinking so much when he's attacking.

Once the puck is behind the defender he's one of the best to go in and cause mayhem.

I agree that Sam Bennett does play with a lot of physicality and is a dog on a bone when hunting down defenders. But with that said, I disagree that he's one of the best on the team as he and his line have an extremely difficult time dumping in the puck and successfully recovering the puck. Too many times I've seen them dump the puck in and attempt to track down the puck only to fail and end up chasing the play.

That's one of this line's biggest issues. The line isn't talented enough to enter the zone while possessing the puck and if they can't successfully retrieve the puck from a dump in, then all they're good for is constantly chasing the game, taking penalties or taking in water all game long. I am a little more optimistic with Jagr on this line though, he created chances for that line with his cycle game and strength and play-making ability along the boards. This is why I believe Sam Bennett still has potential, when he plays with some one who can do that type of heavy lifting, then he has better opportunities to display some of that high end skill.

[JFK]

Originally Posted by jayswin

Yep, best chance to give him a free, unearned, but potentially life saving chance is when Ferland has his next slump. If he falls off for a couple games don't waste time, just throw Bennett in there see if we can salvage anything. Not just for him, but for the team.

The problem is GG isn't exactly quick improvise, He's not exactly the Ryan Stiles of the coaching world.

[VilleN]

Originally Posted by JFK

The problem is GG isn't exactly quick improvise, He's not exactly the Ryan Stiles of the coaching world.

More of a Wayne Brady... same old song and dance.

[Manhattanboy]

Originally Posted by VilleN

Don't know how to imbed tweets, but as per Wes Gilbertson: "#Flames C/LW Sam Bennett has now logged 200 minutes of icetime this season without collecting a point. He's played 47 minutes more than any other NHL forward with zeroes on the stat-sheet."

I do think he's looked better as of late, and I still hold out some hope... but man, that's bad no matter how you look at it.

I just heard this on the radio. Wow incredible. Really hope he can turn things around.

[bubbsy]

I just think the flames need to break up the lines. As we approach 20 games, the distribution of impact talent is top heavy. Perhaps the flames over estimated the depth going into the season, banking too much on Bennett's offseason progression.

I don't think they can afford to break up the top line, especially when they finally seem to be clicking. I also feel Ferland may be most effective there. I really want to see the 3M line broken up and spread across the 3rd line.

Bennett - Backlund - Frolik
Tkachuk - Jankowski - Jagr

I still feel Bennett needs someone to carry the line. He needs to build up some confidence. Putting him with a rookie with not a single career nhl point (lack of nhl experience) and a 45 year old jagr still trying to find his legs are not putting Bennett in a position to succeed.

[VilleN]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

I just think the flames need to break up the lines. As we approach 20 games, the distribution of impact talent is top heavy. Perhaps the flames over estimated the depth going into the season, banking too much on Bennett's offseason progression.

I don't think they can afford to break up the top line, especially when they finally seem to be clicking. I also feel Ferland may be most effective there. I really want to see the 3M line broken up and spread across the 3rd line.

Bennett - Backlund - Frolik
Tkachuk - Jankowski - Jagr

I still feel Bennett needs someone to carry the line. He needs to build up some confidence. Putting him with a rookie with not a single career nhl point (lack of nhl experience) and a 45 year old jagr still trying to find his legs are not putting Bennett in a position to succeed.

The 3M line is one of the best lines in the NHL. I don't understand why anyone would want to break that up. The Flames have struck gold with that line, and I think it would be beyond foolish to break that up just to see if Bennett can get his mojo going.

[bubbsy]

Because they wont win jack poop without 3 lines capable of scoring

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by VilleN

The 3M line is one of the best lines in the NHL. I don't understand why anyone would want to break that up. The Flames have struck gold with that line, and I think it would be beyond foolish to break that up just to see if Bennett can get his mojo going.

I think its not so much he is suggesting doing this for Bennett but distributing the skill evenly between 3 lines might help solve some of the offense issues. I think it is a good suggestion thinking a bit outside the box.

Why not try it and see where goes? It's this the sort of thing D.Sutter used to do to try get lines, or players going? Who is to say Bennett wouldn't benefit having a couple experienced guys?

[VilleN]

Originally Posted by DazzlinDino

I think its not so much he is suggesting doing this for Bennett but distributing the skill evenly between 3 lines might help solve some of the offense issues. I think it is a good suggestion thinking a bit outside the box.



Why not try it and see where goes? It's this the sort of thing D.Sutter used to do to try get lines, or players going? Who is to say Bennett wouldn't benefit having a couple experienced guys?

Even if it’s not for Bennett, I don’t see why you’d break up the best line we have. I understand the thought behind it but in my opinion that line should be basically untouchable.


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[Lanny_McDonald]

Gulutzan has ruined Bennett. I’d try another coach before dumping Bennett, but the time is running out for the player. He may have to be cut loose if he doesn’t get his game together, which is a shame. Bennett has turned into Curtis Lazar.

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by カナダ人です

It's amazing home much rope high draft picks get. Obviously the potential is there, but if Bennett was a 5th rounder with zeros across the board 15 games into the season, he probably wouldn't still be on the roster.

Teams often claim meritocracies, but they really aren't.

*I'm not saying they should bench or trade or send Bennett down. The potential is there and obviously that's huge. Just saying 1st round picks get a lot of rope*

To be fair, no one in the bottom 6 is scoring, so it's not like anyone is outperforming Bennett.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by New Era

Gulutzan has ruined Bennett. I’d try another coach before dumping Bennett, but the time is running out for the player. He may have to be cut loose if he doesn’t get his game together, which is a shame. Bennett has turned into Curtis Lazar.

Everyone is concerned but you just jumped the shark.

He has an 18 goal season as a 19 year old and a 13 goal season as a 20 year old. Lazar has a career total of 13 goals.

So no.

The kid has jam and can skate. His downside is what he is now, a third liner that kicks in 25 to 40 points per season not some plummeting level you are envisioning that has him cut loose.

And how exactly did Gulutzan ruin him?

He was converted to a center in the last 1/3 of Harltey's last season as an organizational decision and has remained there until recently.

[IgiTang]

I genuinely hope BT let's Bennett and Janko get given the season to try and string some point producing games to see if there truly is something there. which I think there is.

Bennett hasn't been good. Not to his standard and not to the Flames standard.
That said, it is a very fine line from good and bad in the NHL and that good or bad can appear on any given night.

But what had really been that bad with Bennett?

He uses his speed but also doesn't use his speed when he should to jump in a hole for the opportunity or he's too eager to jump into the hole that he screws up a play for his teammate. Basically not seeing the big picture or wanting too desperately to be "the man" at the time. Boils down to poor timing.

He has a deadly shot. Again I think he rushes that deadly shot. Poor timing.

He uses his teammates. He usually waits too long and tries to force a pass or he thinks he's going to impede his teammates play in close proximity, that Sam seems to almost "let up" thinking his linemate is going to grab the puck.. turnover.. Boils down to timing.

Plays physically aggressive. He's starting to lay some clean big hits but also sometimes too aggressive. Poor timing.

He's got all the tools and I really feel he does have a decent IQ. But can he manage to bring it all together at this level? I think Bennett serves as the perfect example of why players need to go from Major Jr. to the AHL so they can develope their game and learn the timing of pro hockey before their confidence is destroyed Ala Bennett.

But if he can get his timing down or can get some solid coaching about his timing in every situation, he will turn it around.