Sam Bennett Value: Have the Flames held on TOO long? OR is he awesome?

[The Boy Wonder]

Originally Posted by timbit

Agree with a lot of your evaluation and potential solution, however , I believe that his lack of vision and/or hockey IQ is the bigger issue.

Who knows, I honestly don't see any major issue with his vision, seems to see the ice alright, at least better than all the bottom 6.

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

So Bennett should start playing with a 65 flex twig?

Maybe a 75 to start?

[jonkaupp]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Ever since he has been saddled with Tkachuk? Who was sulking about being saddled with Bennett?

Oh no, Backlund is hurt and the 9-2-1 incredibly deep Flames who just lost 1-0 are now a 1 line team. And the young defense was exposed in that game.

* Meanwhile in Toronto, the parade plans continue.

Not sure how to read this. I wasn’t complaining about the team or concerned that we’re going to beat because Peters has been benching Bennett... not sure where you’re going there. Just wanted to point out that he has been getting benched and that his inconsistency is maddening because it had appeared he had turned a corner for a good while. Maybe this inconsistent patch will be much shorter than it has been in previous years. Sure hope so. Thought he played pretty good against Philly but I only caught bits and pieces and then the highlights.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Bennett along with Brodie - whom certain posters love to be critical and negative towards - are guys who have demonstrated they can elevate their games in the playoffs.

Bennett could have a similar impact Ferland had in 2015 - perhaps less reckless abandon and more spot picking but with similar devastating effect. That's always a potential part of his game but I still believe in Bennett completely. I guess I'm an apologist.

Too much to like in the player. I just think he needs to - to borrow analysis from MLB - learn to slow the heartbeat in those offensive situations and be able to execute. I think he plays with such aggression that it can sometimes mess up the smoothness required to finish plays. What do I know but I see tremendous ability.

[Flash Walken]

https://twitter.com/Kent_Wilson/stat...303725057?s=19

Looking at numbers today and the Flames have been absolutely curb stomped with Bennett on the ice so far. 39% CF%, 43% XGF%, 36% SCF%. Worst shot and chance numbers on the team.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

https://twitter.com/Kent_Wilson/stat...303725057?s=19

What a choice of phrase...

[Shazam]

I blame Oba... Lucic.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

What a choice of phrase...

Lol, it's actually something that made me hesitant to post the tweet.

[Enoch Root]

Sample size.

Mangiapane is also the best forward in the league.

And the Oilers, Sabres, Wings and Canes are a combined 17-1-1

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Sample size.

Mangiapane is also the best forward in the league.

And the Oilers, Sabres, Wings and Canes are a combined 17-1-1

For sure but if we can’t discuss this season, do we just talk about last year?

He really hasn’t had a good start.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Sample size.

Mangiapane is also the best forward in the league.

And the Oilers, Sabres, Wings and Canes are a combined 17-1-1

Sample size for who? Bennett?
The sample size is 316 NHL games.
Probably enough to know.

[bubbsy]

I am done thinking he breaks out.

I highly doubt Bennett is a flame when next season starts.

[Mathgod]

If/when moved, I'm thinking he scores 7 goals in his first 4 games for his new team.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

I am done thinking he breaks out.

I highly doubt Bennett is a flame when next season starts.

Why get rid of him though? He might not turn into what we all wanted, but he's still a useful player.

[bubbsy]

Originally Posted by codynw

Why get rid of him though? He might not turn into what we all wanted, but he's still a useful player.

It would make me feel better, as i wouldn't be reminded of how much a top5 pick type player coukd help the franchise.....

[DropIt]

Nm

[rohara66]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

I am done thinking he breaks out.

I highly doubt Bennett is a flame when next season starts.

Agreed. He’s a have decent 3rd liner, that’s all folks.

[codynw]

Easy to say this now, but it probably would have been better for Bennett if he had spent at least another year in juniors, if not some AHL time as well.

[Dajazz]

Sam probably matured physically early and could bully and toe drag his way through juniors.

There's been so many examples in the past when scouts "fell for it", although it has become a lot better in the last 5-10 years. It's easy to look back and say bad pick, but hindsight is 20/20 and it was the right pick then.

He is a serviceable bottom six player with some snarl to his game. He could be / is a contributor if he can control his pace and offensive zone penalties. There is some skill, some speed, some physicality - you can have two of the three, but never all at the same time with this guy - so you're left wanting. Classic tools vs toolbox dilemma.

[Flash Walken]

Flames 0-3 this year when Bennett plays more than 12 minutes.

Undefeated when he plays less than 12.

[dino7c]

he is a bottom six crash and bang guy who successfully toe dragged a guy a few years back