Sam Bennett Potential

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by shadowlord

I like to think of Bennett as a draft pick who had the potential to be 1st overall, but fell into our laps because (among other things) he couldn't do a single pull-up.

So basically, we got a 1st overall pick without the indignity of winning the draft lottery nor placing 30th overall. The Oilers can carry that title with pride.

Well...Aaron Ekblad went #1 overall in Bennett's draft year and I don't expect Sam to be quite that good.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Gaudreau has probably the best shot at being the 'Face of the Franchise' with his puck handling skills, offensive instincts and arguably the best hockey nickname. He is also vastly underrated defensively - his takeaways on the backcheck are Datsyuk-like.

Monahan is (imo) criminally underrated, especially by non-Flames fans. He is not simply a product of Johnny Hockey. He is 1st line center capable, and perhaps even 'franchise player' level - if not now, then probably in the future as I bet he still grows. Without a doubt, he is a cornerstone of the franchise.

Bennett is, in my opinion, going to be the 'impact' player out of the three. Why? If Johnny isn't scoring, he isn't contributing all that much. I do think Bennett's ceiling is close to that of Gaudreau - not as much flash in his game, but he makes elite plays already and has that bulldog nose for the net. If he isn't putting up points, he is going to be stopping opposing players from getting some. He will also be plastering guys to the glass as well with his physicality.

Being honest here, I had my doubts of Bennett. I wanted Reinhart as I thought with his IQ he was the best pick of the draft. Though I still feel Reinhart is going to be a great player in this league, and Buffalo is very lucky to have him, I will just say that I am glad that I am not making any decisions on the Flames' draft selections. Bennett is a guy that you win with because he will do whatever it takes to win.

I remember Hunter Smith talking about Bennett and how he heard he was pretty competitive, but it wasn't until he lined up against Bennett on the faceoff dot until he saw it firsthand. What did Bennett do? He just bulldozed Smith (not an easy thing to do, especially for a prospect as 'slight' as Bennett was in his draft year) and knocked Smith on his butt, taking the puck with him.

Watch his highlights, and you get a sense of his skill level (franchise level there). Watch him play without any highlights, and you start thinking this kid can be an excellent 3rd line shutdown player who will play physical and throw players off their game. Combine the two? You have what I think will be the most important forward in the organization for the next decade. He is going to be the guy that stirs the drink on the Flames, not just his own line. I think he will also challenge Gaudreau for the scoring race on most years while he does it. He will do it as a center - of this I have no doubt now. Mastadon should get hired by the Flames - he was absolutely right about this kid from day one.

Flames are absolutely spoiled by their riches. Bennett is a first-overall worthy player, and the upcoming seasons will show that. Gaudreau is as well, obviously. Monahan is leading the way (and once again, he is NOT just simply a byproduct of Gaudreau - only stat watchers would think this) for his draft class. Now add in Tkachuk - I can't think of a better complimentary winger for Bennett. Sure, you can mix and match Tkachuk and Gaudreau on different lines between Bennett and Monahan, but the difference will be the same - Flames will have two very functional top lines. Lines 1A and 1AA (not even a 1B in my opinion).

[The Yen Man]

Before the draft lottery, we were salivating on the potential perfect winger (Laine) to compliment Gaudreau. The consolation after the draft is we drafted a guy who may be a perfect compliment to Bennett instead.

[Cantrader]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

Before the draft lottery, we were salivating on the potential perfect winger (Laine) to compliment Gaudreau. The consolation after the draft is we drafted a guy who may be a perfect compliment to Bennett instead.

Bennett looks good, I saw it live the last 2 games. Bennett, Brouwer and Tkachuck is for real. They are exciting, goes to the net and can score.

[Gaudreauvertime]

The play Bennett made on Brouwer's goal was something we haven't seen much of at this level from him. That deliberate hard fake to the point, walk it down, deft touch to Brouwer. He looked like Patty Kane.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Iggy Snipe

Sam Bennett is going into his 3rd year of his contract and only his 2nd full season. Its hard to peg him for where his ceiling is, but I can tell you its nothing close to Monahan's or Gaudreau's.

Look at Monahan or Gaudreaus offensive numbers in their first year and compare those to Bennett's. Bennett is a clear skill level below. He has still to really find a steady position where the flames think he belongs as well (he plays center and wing).

Bennett has a lot of upside and brings speed and grit to the lineup, with some offensive pop. This is extremely valuable, and he will be slotted in with a second/third line role.

He is not going to be a franchise player or a #1 centerman on this team however. The contract he signs will reflect this next off season, unless he miraculusly breaks out this year. I wouldn't say Sam has been a disappointment, but he certainly did not impress me anywhere near as often as Johnny or Mony. Its not a bad thing, he just is not as skilled. He plays a different role because of this.

Can I be the one that gets to bump this post after this season?

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by jayswin

Can I be the one that gets to bump this post after this season?

I say go for it because it was a horrible post.

Johnny's rookie season he is the same age as Bennett will be the season AFTER this upcoming one.

Monahan at the same age scored 34pts where Bennett scored 36.

[yourbestfriend]

If he plays a full season, I would think 25G 30A should be attainable.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by DAN0383

Jeremy Roenick.

Stir in a little Mark Messier with a dash of Dougie Gilmour and hopefully, we get a Sam Bennett.

[EVERLAST]

Here's Sammy

Love his truculence and love people's doubts of what he is capable of doing.

Killer V.02

[shadowlord]

If Johnny still hasn't signed by the season opener, it wouldn't be the end of the world if Tkachuk-Bennett-Brouwer auditioned as the first line for 9 games.

Hopefully their pre-season chemistry could continue and make them an acceptable fill-in to buy Treliving more negotiating time with JG... Maybe even lower JG's asking price/cap hit from 8M.

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