Sam Bennett as a center or winger?

[nickk382]

Just trying to throw some humor in, boys. I ensure you my post about Bennett needing to get laid to improve his play will not deviate anyone from the principle of this thread.

Let's also not forget, we can never be sure if that really is or isn't the actual reason.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

I don't agree with the notion that there's nothing to lose by hanging on to him. Don't you think the Islanders are happy they traded Griffin Reinhart (another 4th OA) when they did, rather than wait a season or two for his value to decline to nothing? 16th and 33rd picks would actually looking pretty good right now.

Did you seriously just compare Bennett to Griffin Reinhart? Bennett has continued to show glimpses of high end talent. Exactly like Reinhart hasn't.

[pepper24]

With his puck luck a 2nd assist on goal off of Jankowski’s privates might be what he needs to get going.

Of course he’s in the box for Wings PP goal after but I’ll take baby steps right now.

Good to see 3rd line getting on score sheet.


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[Pointman]

Every time I read about Bennett, people talk about his speed, tenaclty and flashes of offensive brilliance. His flaws are supposed to be inconsistency and suspicious hockey sense. This description reminds me of Oleg Saprykin. I don't mean this in a bad way.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by jayswin

Sure, but the point you're missing from posters there is that Reinhart still had significant value, though diminished. Bennett does not have that, he's passed the point of getting a decent return before a bad one later, so that's why you keep him at this point.

It is really hard to know what is up with Bennett. I am just glad he is not coasting and is still contributing. He has worked hard at the center role and along the way it probably took a toll on his style of play and confidence. That said, if the lack of scoring is in any way intentional it has to come across as really selfish. It took Jagr (thankfully) on that line to get Jankowski his first goal and that as Mark mentioned is what players dream of. Bennett is only 21 its not uncommon for a young guy to get in a mental funk but I hope for his own sake he can snap out of it and enjoy whats going on with the team. There is no reason he can't be that guy that scores those game winning goals like Marty Gelinas. If we can get some of that old Bennett back this team could start to get very dominant! I still believe that Bennett is the player many of us believe he is and has some elite skills right up there with Johnny. The sad thing is if he does ever end up getting traded, it could be a middling team that offers the Flames a high end draft pick. He has a very good situation here and may never get another opportunity to play with the mix of talent on this team. Jagr was probably brought in to play with Bennett, he has a legend on his line; This is a once in lifetime opportunity to play with one of the best players to ever play the game. I am excited to see Bennett break out.

[Cgycowboy]

I feel like I'm the only guy not panicking about Bennett. He's 21 and has a lot of maturing (mentally) to do. His skills will never leave him and he sure as hell has elite skills. Coaches and management always defend him rightfully so. He plays very smart but definitely snake bitten. Kinda like Nugent when he was struggling in Edmonton (look at how good he is this year). We all wish he gets on the board but rarely does he hurt the team. The last two games our third line has looked really good and he's been a part of that every game! No cause for concern. By next year he'll develop chemistry with jank and get off to a better start. This year he will get more puck luck we just haven't seen it due to confidence. Stay patient !! When playoffs come and blood and sweat is left on the ice he is definitly the player I want.

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[gunnner]

Any site you can bet on conn smythe winners already. gotta think Bennet is a bargin at the moment.

[ComixZone]

@Kent_Wilson
Digging through Bennett’s numbers today. There’s lots there suggesting this is just an unholy dry spell and not some personal failing of the player.

Since getting a good player to play with (Janko), Bennett's game has turned around - significantly. It just speaks to how crappy his linemates have been since being bumped off the Backlund line.

Expecting Bennett to carry a line filled with rubbish players was a failure on Treliving/Gully's shoulders.

[Gaskal]

I'm gonna also have to go with unholy dry spell.

He had a tertiary assist vs Vancouver and upgraded to a secondary assist vs Detroit. Based on this trajectory I expect him to get a primary assist followed by a goal vs the Blues. A kaiju double event.

[TheIronMaiden]

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Cgycowboy

I feel like I'm the only guy not panicking about Bennett. He's 21 and has a lot of maturing (mentally) to do. His skills will never leave him and he sure as hell has elite skills. Coaches and management always defend him rightfully so. He plays very smart but definitely snake bitten. Kinda like Nugent when he was struggling in Edmonton (look at how good he is this year). We all wish he gets on the board but rarely does he hurt the team. The last two games our third line has looked really good and he's been a part of that every game! No cause for concern. By next year he'll develop chemistry with jank and get off to a better start. This year he will get more puck luck we just haven't seen it due to confidence. Stay patient !! When playoffs come and blood and sweat is left on the ice he is definitly the player I want.

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The major issue with Bennett was his expectations. He looked like he was going to emerge as a #1 centre. Even the most optimistic fan has to admit that looks unlikely.

I see Bennett as a gritty 2nd/3rd line player that can chip in offensively now.

Considering our team, thus far, has had awful depth scoring, that's exactly what we need. It's definitely a downgrade from some of the early projections in his career though.

[Cgycowboy]

Originally Posted by blankall

The major issue with Bennett was his expectations. He looked like he was going to emerge as a #1 centre. Even the most optimistic fan has to admit that looks unlikely.

I see Bennett as a gritty 2nd/3rd line player that can chip in offensively now.

Considering our team, thus far, has had awful depth scoring, that's exactly what we need. It's definitely a downgrade from some of the early projections in his career though.

You're right but there are late bloomers in the nhl. I think there are quite a few comparables. It would be different if we could develop him at 1st line center

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[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Since getting a good player to play with (Janko), Bennett's game has turned around - significantly. It just speaks to how crappy his linemates have been since being bumped off the Backlund line.

Expecting Bennett to carry a line filled with rubbish players was a failure on Treliving/Gully's shoulders.

This could be an eye opener for Flames BT that it might be important to have a certain amount of skill, youth or speed on those bottom 2 lines. Older experienced players are helpful but players pushing upwards in skill and development may make us more dangerous from top to bottom. I think we are trending in the right direction.

[pepper24]

Originally Posted by blankall

The major issue with Bennett was his expectations. He looked like he was going to emerge as a #1 centre. Even the most optimistic fan has to admit that looks unlikely.

I see Bennett as a gritty 2nd/3rd line player that can chip in offensively now.

Considering our team, thus far, has had awful depth scoring, that's exactly what we need. It's definitely a downgrade from some of the early projections in his career though.

It also doesn't also help his meeting expectations when Monahan and Tkachuk who were similar picks were lighting it up as teenagers and still miles ahead of Bennett.

[FBI]

Can anyone dig up that Bennett expectations thread? I think we were all off on that one. Many were saying Bennett will be better than Gaudreau.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by FBI

Can anyone dig up that Bennett expectations thread? I think we were all off on that one. Many were saying Bennett will be better than Gaudreau.

I originally thought he'd supplant Monahan as our first line centre by this season or next.

[yourbestfriend]

Originally Posted by jayswin

I originally thought he'd supplant Monahan as our first line centre by this season or next.

Many people did. He had a great playoffs in 2015, looked very good in the 15/16 season, and then followed that up with a great 16/17 training camp and preseason. Not sure what happened after that, but the wheels kinda came off from then on.

I'd like to think it's a confidence issue, but who knows. You don't lose your confidence for THAT long.

[pepper24]

I thought he’d be our 2nd line center. Always thought Monahan was better and more upside. Pure finisher.

We’re fortunate to have Backlund fill that 2nd line role. Now we must extend him.

Bennett now is bust or finds a way to be 2/3 line winger. No idea where that goes. Show Me contract not showing well so far.


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[calgaryblood]

Can you believe some wanted to sign him long term 6x$5 million instead of a show me contract....man would that have looked really bad right about now.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Can you believe some wanted to sign him long term 6x$5 million instead of a show me contract....man would that have looked really bad right about now.

Even the calls for $3.5x4 would look quite disastrous right now.