I think having a 'sniff' of the NHL is beneficial to a prospect - especially one that is legitimately expected to be in the lineup next year. The NHL is a different beast than any other league, and having a prospect gain a bit of experience for 'x' amount of games I think is beneficial to that prospect's development.
I don't think there is that big of a risk. If Bennett is THAT physically immature, then yep, send him down without a single game. If the organization feels that he is physically at the NHL threshold or above, then it can only be a positive experience having a taste of the NHL. His injury occurred in Junior, not in the NHL. Though the NHL is filled with bigger, stronger and faster players than the OHL is (of course), the Flames have a much better medical staff than what Kingston has, and I think that was a bigger issue for Bennett.
As a Flames' fan, my first reaction is to just send him down immediately and keep the kid 'safe', and not to 'Oiler it up'. From a development standpoint, I do think there is merit in the statement that having a 'cup of coffee' or the proverbial 'carrot' is beneficial to the development of a prospect.
We also have to factor in what Bennett himself wants - and I would bet it would be to stay up here after all. I do believe that based on his performance in the preseason, he 'deserves' to have a legitimate chance to compete for a spot on the team. I think this chance should come in practice - if Hartley feels he is ready and deserves a spot on the team, he should get one. If he plays in a game, then the organization has to keep evaluating him and making sure he isn't physically over his head, and that it is more beneficial for his development in continuing to play games at the NHL level. As long as he is being properly evaluated, I will be happy with whatever decision is made.
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