I think a year (as opposed to a couple of years) I don't see the Flames keeping him off the roster two years. He's still physically immature and was one of the younger draft-eligible guys in his draft class so better he go back to the OHL. I wouldn't even bother keeping him for the nine games... even if Backlund isn't ready to go (we have older center prospects like Granlund to fill in until Backs is back in game shape).
I agree, no sense in putting him in for 9 games when we can all see that physically he's not ready, it will be NHL starting lineups, bigger stronger men. I wouldn't want to see him get injured and screw up his season because of it, just not worth the risk imo. This season is very important for his development and we don't want any setbacks.
Seeing like Monahan last season he did not look out of place I am all for a 9 game taste of the NHL if only to show him first hand the differences and how much harder he will have to work next year. Unlike Monahan I really think Bennett could use another year in the OHL to physically mature.
Wasn't able to watch the game last night... Was very busy and I didn't even go on CP before I went to bed. How did Bennett do?
From what I've read (from you guys), we know he has the skill, but we will give him a couple of years in the OHL to further his development, to come back stronger than ever?
I'm going to go way out on a limb and say there is no chance in hell he plays 2 more years in the OHL.
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Seeing like Monahan last season he did not look out of place I am all for a 9 game taste of the NHL if only to show him first hand the differences and how much harder he will have to work next year. Unlike Monahan I really think Bennett could use another year in the OHL to physically mature.
I agree. Monahan turned 19 early in the season where Bennett won't be 19 until the offseason. I think Bennett could benefit from another year in junior where I thought Monahan was done. The flames center depth was also a bigger ? last year.
Hartley did say he was the best forward on the ice last night. If he keeps it up he might get his 9 games
Bennett would and probably should benefit from another year in the OHL no doubt, but if he keeps playing strongly, I think the organisation should be giving him at least a handful of games as a reward for his strong play and to provide incentive for him to prepare for next season. Just not sure if it should be in the beginning of this season or at the end..
Honestly if he keeps this up for the rest of preseason why not let him play 9 and see how he holds up? Look at Nathan Mackinnon as a prime example, these two kids have almost identical height/weight and Mackinnon still excelled.
Sometimes it's not best to go back to junior... in all honesty it's junior leagues... have any of you actually played in these leagues before? It's more about partying, or improve skills, the guy has got it already though. I think if he does keep it up it would be better for him to learn with more mature people surrounding him. It will be easy to see in the next few games, but yeah the depth at center at the moment is really the only issue I see. My take on it, I dont know is it the weekend yet?
Bennett would and probably should benefit from another year in the OHL no doubt, but if he keeps playing strongly, I think the organisation should be giving him at least a handful of games as a reward for his strong play and to provide incentive for him to prepare for next season. Just not sure if it should be in the beginning of this season or at the end..
Unless the rules have changed, Bennett can't play in the NHL this year if he gets sent back to juniors. The exception (which happened with Baertchi) is emergency injury recall which is not likely to happen.
So he can either play up to 9 NHL games to start the season, or has to stay in the NHL for the whole season.
Bennett has him beat everywhere except puck skills IMO. Puck skills can get you somewhere, but the players that really take over games have more dimensions and Bennett has that game breaking skating which will let him be effective in all areas.
As always, in your rush to stir the pot you have mist the most important part.
As always, in your rush to stir the pot you have mist the most important part.
It's not Gaudreau vs. Bennett.
It's Gaudreau AND Bennett.
My eyes missed up just thinking about Gaudreau and Bennett together.
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As always, in your rush to stir the pot you have mist the most important part.
It's not Gaudreau vs. Bennett.
It's Gaudreau AND Bennett.
LOL
"Game breaking skating" screams of a random attribute fans who dont have much of a clue on scouting talent (Im not making fun, I'm one of those fans) spout out when arguing with fans of other teams...
Unless the rules have changed, Bennett can't play in the NHL this year if he gets sent back to juniors. The exception (which happened with Baertchi) is emergency injury recall which is not likely to happen.
So he can either play up to 9 NHL games to start the season, or has to stay in the NHL for the whole season.
Pretty sure he can play at the end of the season if and when his junior team is eliminated as well. I know he can go to the AHL under those circumstances. The reason I'm iffy on the NHL eligibility is that we haven't had a player from junior that qualified and that we'd want to recall in years.
