19-year old Sam Bennett - Expectations for 15/16 season - Page 6 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

D as in David · 07-05-2015, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbob

I was thinking around 50ish points as there is a lot of ice time to share. It did get me thinking though, if he manages to hit 20 goals as a rookie, that would make 3 straight seasons where a rookie gets 20. Doing a quick look, it has only been done once with Pitts (with Malone, Crosby and Malkin). Although the lockout is sandwiched between Malone and Crosby.

With Jankowski making it four straight the year after?

DoubleK · 07-08-2015, 08:47 AM

70+ games averaging ~12 minutes TOI/g. Positive plus/minus.

Ashasx · 07-08-2015, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleK

70+ games averaging ~12 minutes TOI/g. Positive plus/minus.

If he's only going to get 12 minutes of ice time, I think I'd rather he play in Kingston for another season.

Lanny_McDonald · 07-08-2015, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashasx

If he's only going to get 12 minutes of ice time, I think I'd rather he play in Kingston for another season.

The Flames burned off a year of his ELC this spring so they could send him back to juniors this season?

Ashasx · 07-08-2015, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New Era

The Flames burned off a year of his ELC this spring so they could send him back to juniors this season?

...and if he's only getting 12 minutes a game, it would be best for his development to play 22 minutes a night in Kingston. This isn't about contracts.

heep223 · 07-08-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashasx

...and if he's only getting 12 minutes a game, it would be best for his development to play 22 minutes a night in Kingston. This isn't about contracts.

Monahan in his rookie season started at 11-13 mins TOI per night, and slowly was increased over the season. Even then there were patches of games throughout the year that he was well below 15 mins. In this organization it's about learning, development and earning ice-time. I'd be more taken aback if Bennett was gifted a ton of minutes as you're suggesting he should be. In the playoffs, Bennett's ice varied widely from 9 mins to 18. You're right it shouldn't be about contracts, and it would be best for his development to play in the NHL at this point, not 22 minutes a night in Kingston.

ComixZone · 07-08-2015, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashasx

...and if he's only getting 12 minutes a game, it would be best for his development to play 22 minutes a night in Kingston. This isn't about contracts.

No it wouldn't. He's beyond that skill level. It'd stunt his development. There is no benefit to having Bennett playing, and dominating, in the OHL again.

Ashasx · 07-08-2015, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heep223

Monahan in his rookie season started at 11-13 mins TOI per night, and slowly was increased over the season.

That's not what the post said. It said he will average the season at 12 minutes per game.

I have no problem if he starts out at that number, but if by the end of the season he has averaged 12 minutes a night through 82 games, it would have been a mistake.

I don't think that will happen, so an argument is not needed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by heep223

I'd be more taken aback if Bennett was gifted a ton of minutes as you're suggesting he should be.

Please don't put words in my mouth. I want Bennett to battle for his ice time. If he loses out and would otherwise end up playing 12 minutes a night, send him to the OHL. Nobody is asking for gifted minutes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ComixZone

No it wouldn't. He's beyond that skill level. It'd stunt his development. There is no benefit to having Bennett playing, and dominating, in the OHL again.

I agree that his development time would be best served playing in the NHL. I also understand he will not get as many minutes playing in the NHL.

But there is a point at which I believe his development would be stunted playing in the NHL, and averaging 12 minutes a night is not what I want to see a 19 year old playing in any league.

Poe969 · 07-08-2015, 09:45 AM

I think he'll start off with low ice time but it'll increase as his play improves. I see him following the same guideline Monahan did but I'm expecting more offense from him. I think he'll start off as a third line centre with sheltered minutes but will end up as a mainstay on the second line and producing more offense than Monahan.

Itse · 07-08-2015, 10:00 AM

An average of 12 minutes per night would be a disappointment, but I agree that it'd still develop Bennett more than big minutes in OHL.

Enoch Root · 07-08-2015, 10:02 AM

Bennett averaged 14 minutes a night in the playoffs last year.

He will not average 12 minutes this year - more like 16 would be my guess.

GioforPM · 07-08-2015, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poe969

I think he'll start off with low ice time but it'll increase as his play improves. I see him following the same guideline Monahan did but I'm expecting more offense from him. I think he'll start off as a third line centre with sheltered minutes but will end up as a mainstay on the second line and producing more offense than Monahan.

He's either a third line C or a second line winger with a chance to move to C. I couldn't say which is better, and it depends a lot on what a Backlund line is expected to do.

Rick M. · 07-08-2015, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioforPM

He's either a third line C or a second line winger with a chance to move to C. I couldn't say which is better, and it depends a lot on what a Backlund line is expected to do.

Depending on how he plays, he could be both, possibly even in the same game.

codynw · 07-08-2015, 10:08 AM

If he plays most of the season at centre and doesn't look out of place, I'll be happy. Expecting maybe 35+ points.

Itse · 07-08-2015, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Bennett averaged 14 minutes a night in the playoffs last year.

He will not average 12 minutes this year - more like 16 would be my guess.

That's my expectation too.

I will honestly be a little disappointed if he doesn't push Backlund down the depth chart by the end of the season.

Unless of course it's because Backlund is just playing so damned good.

GranteedEV · 07-08-2015, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D as in David

With Jankowski making it four straight the year after?

Doubt it. Jankowski will only have 18 goals to go with his 42 assists.

Poe969 · 07-08-2015, 11:18 AM

The kid is a natural centre. I don't know why people want to push him to the wing except maybe on the PP. I'd like to see him on Monahan's wing for the PK, I think that would generate a lot of scoring chances for us.

polak · 07-08-2015, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T@T

I just want to see him outplay McJesus to shut everyone's pie holes.

This is my biggest wish.

GioforPM · 07-08-2015, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poe969

The kid is a natural centre. I don't know why people want to push him to the wing except maybe on the PP. I'd like to see him on Monahan's wing for the PK, I think that would generate a lot of scoring chances for us.

I think it's mainly because of the defensive responsibilities of the centre and a fear Bennett needs to learn NHL defensive systems a bit more. He was still thinking swarm defence when he was sent to the OHL after his rehab.

Rick M. · 07-08-2015, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I think it's mainly because of the defensive responsibilities of the centre and a fear Bennett needs to learn NHL defensive systems a bit more. He was still thinking swarm defence when he was sent to the OHL after his rehab.

I think you're correct. He has to earn Hartley's trust before he can become a full-time center. Given that we're expected to challenge for a playoff spot this season, mistakes won't be viewed an nonchalantly as when Monahan broke in.