C Sam Bennett (2014, 4th, CGY) II

[madmike77]

What's going on with this kid lately? Who is he playing with? Why the low number of scoring opportunities?

Backlund and Frolik mostly. He doesn't have the most offensively gifted linemates.

Some games he's the best Flame on the ice - other games you don't notice him much. Overall though, considering he's 19 and coming off a season where he missed most of the year, he's playing about as well as anyone could expect.

 

[Yung Rotini]

8 goals in 5 games now. Was doing everything right, just needed that one goal and now he's rolling.

What a treat to watch.

 

[Wintersun]

Had him #1 overall before the draft. I will not change my mind on this yet. I think this kid has everything you want in a hockey player. I think the points will keep coming if he can play with some decent players.

 

[93LEAFS]

Had him #1 overall before the draft. I will not change my mind on this yet. I think this kid has everything you want in a hockey player. I think the points will keep coming if he can play with some decent players.

He's good and has a strong argument to go 2nd, but taking anyone over Ekblad at this point is insanity, d-men this good before their 20th birthday maybe come around once a decade (Pronger and Doughty off the top of my head).

 

[OvermanKingGainer]

8 points back of Larkin, I'm pullling for him to close that gap first before comparing him to Ekblad.

 

[Tkachuk Norris]

If we have a shot at the playoffs the Bennett - Backlund - Frolik line needs to keep producing.

Bennett is a machine. The comparisons to Doug Gilmour are on point. He's going to be a very special player. Ekblad is still #1, although I could see Sam surpassing him in the long run.

 

[Wintersun]

He's good and has a strong argument to go 2nd, but taking anyone over Ekblad at this point is insanity, d-men this good before their 20th birthday maybe come around once a decade (Pronger and Doughty off the top of my head).

There's nothing wrong with picking Ekblad obviously, but I'm that high on Sam Bennett.

 

[Ippenator]

If we have a shot at the playoffs the Bennett - Backlund - Frolik line needs to keep producing.

Bennett is a machine. The comparisons to Doug Gilmour are on point. He's going to be a very special player. Ekblad is still #1, although I could see Sam surpassing him in the long run.

Well if Bennett is such goal scoring machine (8 goals in 5 games at least gives a hint on this), it sounds quite strange to me that he is compared to Doug Gilmour, as he was almost totally about assists and great playmaking. Ok, I haven't even seen Bennett play, so I'm practically only commenting his and Gilmour's goals and points collecting differencies. Well anyway would be nice to hear in more detail what makes him so similar to Gilmour? Gilmour was one of my alltime favorite players, so would be exciting to have the same style and calibre player in the league again.

 

[Reinhart]

Well if Bennett is such goal scoring machine (8 goals in 5 games at least gives a hint on this), it sounds quite strange to me that he is compared to Doug Gilmour, as he was almost totally about assists and great playmaking. Ok, I haven't even seen Bennett play, so I'm practically only commenting his and Gilmour's goals and points collecting differencies. Well anyway would be nice to hear in more detail what makes him so similar to Gilmour? Gilmour was one of my alltime favorite players, so would be exciting to have the same style and calibre player in the league again.

The comparison is apt. Apart from Gilmour being Bennett's favorite player (as Gilmour was also Sam's dad's favorite player). "Killer" was Gilmour's nickname - and it was about how Gilmour played the game.

The 'win at all costs' mentality. He will hack, slash, check, fight and do all the things that he possibly can in order for his team to beat your team. The non-stop attitude on the ice where you rarely - if ever - notice him not skating and playing hard. Neither one of them will ever be thought of as a big huge imposing powerfoward who dominates physically, but they both somehow find a way to be dominating physically anyways.

These are where the comparisons come from, and it actually comes from Bennett himself - Gilmour was his idol growing up apparently, and got to play for him in Kingston.

As for the "Goals vs Assists" argument - small sample size still in the NHL, and I don't think it is necessarily out of place for young players of the 'blue-chip' variety as they work their way into the NHL. I really love Backlund and Frolik (his most regular linemates, especially on this scoring uptick), but neither one of those are what I would consider goal scorers. Bennett has the best shot on that line, and the most naturally gifted offensive talent. That is why the large discrepancy with his goals and assists. I bet if he had been playing with Gaudreau and Monahan, those stat lines would probably be flipped, though his shot is undeniable.

 

[Scorvat]

He is going to be one of the most hated players across the league in a few years. The guy is a way better troll then Perry and Kesler. I can see him getting way better then those players too, but remember him not being able to do a chin up not only points out that he is never going to survive an NHL season, it also points to his work ethic, desire, and character as a whole. I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole if I picked around that area

 

[ebonymalkin]

Sam's fav player has actually been Mike Richards, who he's always tried to emulate, although you're right his dad's favourite player always has been Dougie.

That aside your comparison between him and dougie is spot on, its such a great comparison for the absolute compete level and ability to control a game through grit and skill. I love it, my absolute favourite player in the league

 

[Ippenator]

The comparison is apt. Apart from Gilmour being Bennett's favorite player (as Gilmour was also Sam's dad's favorite player). "Killer" was Gilmour's nickname - and it was about how Gilmour played the game.

The 'win at all costs' mentality. He will hack, slash, check, fight and do all the things that he possibly can in order for his team to beat your team. The non-stop attitude on the ice where you rarely - if ever - notice him not skating and playing hard. Neither one of them will ever be thought of as a big huge imposing powerfoward who dominates physically, but they both somehow find a way to be dominating physically anyways.

These are where the comparisons come from, and it actually comes from Bennett himself - Gilmour was his idol growing up apparently, and got to play for him in Kingston.

As for the "Goals vs Assists" argument - small sample size still in the NHL, and I don't think it is necessarily out of place for young players of the 'blue-chip' variety as they work their way into the NHL. I really love Backlund and Frolik (his most regular linemates, especially on this scoring uptick), but neither one of those are what I would consider goal scorers. Bennett has the best shot on that line, and the most naturally gifted offensive talent. That is why the large discrepancy with his goals and assists. I bet if he had been playing with Gaudreau and Monahan, those stat lines would probably be flipped, though his shot is undeniable.

Very good and thorough explanation. Thank you very much! I have to really start following this Bennett-kid and his team. Sounds like a real gem you got there in Calgary. Amongst all the others...

 

[ebonymalkin]

He is going to be one of the most hated players across the league in a few years. The guy is a way better troll then Perry and Kesler. I can see him getting way better then those players too, but remember him not being able to do a chin up not only points out that he is never going to survive an NHL season, it also points to his work ethic, desire, and character as a whole. I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole if I picked around that area

this must be a joke if you're still criticizing sam for not being able to do a pull up a year and a half ago when he needed SHOULDER SURGERY, and has since demonstrated his ability at the NHL level

if you're questioning his character, you're probably better of questioning your own

 

[Scorvat]

this must be a joke if you're still criticizing sam for not being able to do a pull up a year and a half ago when he needed SHOULDER SURGERY, and has since demonstrated his ability at the NHL level

if you're questioning his character, you're probably better of questioning your own

Sigh....

 

[ebonymalkin]

i mean, you compared him to perry and kesler... they're fantastic players.. how is that bad, who cares if he is hated

 

[OvermanKingGainer]

Well if Bennett is such goal scoring machine (8 goals in 5 games at least gives a hint on this), it sounds quite strange to me that he is compared to Doug Gilmour, as he was almost totally about assists and great playmaking.

Bennett is a very accurate passer with impressive vision and a great sense of puck-protection. However he's been playing wing with guys who aren't remotely very good finishers in Backlund, Frolik, and *insert random 3rd line RW* for the last two+ months so his assists have somewhat fallen off the map, but earlier in the season he had a stretch with 5 assists in 6 games and they were all nice assists. His assists playing center are a different beast altogether, as he even has an impressive stretch pass.

Gilmour was his idol growing up apparently, and got to play for him in Kingston.

Correction - Gilmour was his dad's favorite player, and his dad basically told him to play like Gilmour. Bennett's idols are Crosby and Toews, and he compared his own game to Mike Richards. Actually, a lot of Sam's go-to moves offensively are straight out of Crosby's repertoire. Sam also played with McDavid as a kid, and may have picked up some tricks from him. He's a chimera of a player, and every day he wastes playing LW* is a waste of his talent.

*he's playing LW because our top 6 wingers sans Gaudreau are just terrible** whereas Monahan/Backlund are good centers in the top 6. He looked better at center than he has at wing, but I'd rather he be a top 6 winger than a 3rd line center. As first line center though for about four games, he looked like the best center we've had in decades, aside from a few rookie mistakes.

**A healthy Hudler isn't terrible and Frolik is good, but Hudler's not healthy.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Bennett is a very accurate passer with impressive vision and a great sense of puck-protection. However he's been playing wing with guys who aren't remotely very good finishers in Backlund, Frolik, and *insert random 3rd line RW* for the last two+ months so his assists have somewhat fallen off the map, but earlier in the season he had a stretch with 5 assists in 6 games and they were all nice assists. His assists playing center are a different beast altogether, as he even has an impressive stretch pass.



Correction - Gilmour was his dad's favorite player, and his dad basically told him to play like Gilmour. Bennett's idols are Crosby and Toews, and he compared his own game to Mike Richards. Actually, a lot of Sam's go-to moves offensively are straight out of Crosby's repertoire. Sam also played with McDavid as a kid, and may have picked up some tricks from him. He's a chimera of a player, and every day he wastes playing LW* is a waste of his talent.

*he's playing LW because our top 6 wingers sans Gaudreau are just terrible** whereas Monahan/Backlund are good centers in the top 6. He looked better at center than he has at wing, but I'd rather he be a top 6 winger than a 3rd line center. As first line center though for about four games, he looked like the best center we've had in decades, aside from a few rookie mistakes.

**A healthy Hudler isn't terrible and Frolik is good, but Hudler's not healthy.

Why did Hartley separate Bennett and Gaudreau? They seemed to be producing in those (few) games they were together.

I'd have thought it would help the Flames' scoring balance if you split up the Hudler/Monahan/Gaudreau line, especially with Bennett producing.

 

[Wintersun]

Why did Hartley separate Bennett and Gaudreau? They seemed to be producing in those (few) games they were together.

I'd have thought it would help the Flames' scoring balance if you split up the Hudler/Monahan/Gaudreau line, especially with Bennett producing.

I'm not quite sure Monahan and Hudler would produce much without Gaudreau to be honest.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Had him #1 overall before the draft. I will not change my mind on this yet. I think this kid has everything you want in a hockey player. I think the points will keep coming if he can play with some decent players.

I had Bennett at #2. I agree he is everything you look for in a Hockey player. Let's not forget he practically missed a year of his development last year. He started slow, but he is on fire now. Always been a big Sam Bennett backer. The points are nice, but he always does things that go beyond points. He's a Great intangibles player also.

 

[emmjayb]

Why did Hartley separate Bennett and Gaudreau? They seemed to be producing in those (few) games they were together.

I'd have thought it would help the Flames' scoring balance if you split up the Hudler/Monahan/Gaudreau line, especially with Bennett producing.

Bennett, unlike Monahan, is able to generate offense on his own, whereas Monahan relies on Gaudreau for much of his production. Bennett and Gaudreau both like to carry the puck (and there is only one puck). Monahan is a better pure finisher and has a knack for finding the soft spots where Gaudreau can feed him a pass; Bennett's offensive game is about constant movement and chaos, not parking himself in the slot waiting for a pass.

 

[Kovaz]

Why did Hartley separate Bennett and Gaudreau? They seemed to be producing in those (few) games they were together.

I'd have thought it would help the Flames' scoring balance if you split up the Hudler/Monahan/Gaudreau line, especially with Bennett producing.

A lot of Flames fans have wondered the same thing, IIRC Bennett had 6 points in 4 games playing with Gaudreau. My best guess is that Bennett isn't as dependent on his linemates to score as Monahan is, so playing Gaudreau with Bennett hurts Monahan more than it helps Bennett.

 

[Tkachuk Norris]

Bennett, unlike Monahan, is able to generate offense on his own, whereas Monahan relies on Gaudreau for much of his production. Bennett and Gaudreau both like to carry the puck (and there is only one puck). Monahan is a better pure finisher and has a knack for finding the soft spots where Gaudreau can feed him a pass; Bennett's offensive game is about constant movement and chaos, not parking himself in the slot waiting for a pass.

This is how I see it.

Bennett and Gaudreau can create offense out of nothing. Monahan is an elite finisher but isn't going to create the offends by himself. Gaudreau is more of a play maker so that's why he's with the trigger man Monahan.

 

[Tkachuk Norris]

A lot of Flames fans have wondered the same thing, IIRC Bennett had 6 points in 4 games playing with Gaudreau. My best guess is that Bennett isn't as dependent on his linemates to score as Monahan is, so playing Gaudreau with Bennett hurts Monahan more than it helps Bennett.

I agree. But at the same time Monahan and Hudler have always had a really good connection. No point in Breaking up The Bennett - Backs - Frolik line right now though.

 

[OvermanKingGainer]

Why did Hartley separate Bennett and Gaudreau? They seemed to be producing in those (few) games they were together.

I'd have thought it would help the Flames' scoring balance if you split up the Hudler/Monahan/Gaudreau line, especially with Bennett producing.

Because:

1) Our goaltenders and defensemen were generally playing terrible defensively and didn't have the margin for mistakes. Bennett did make some mistakes at center though the overall body of work was positive. Bennett at center didn't really hurt us defensively IMO, but more minutes for Backlund helps us. Backlund is one of the most underrated two-way centers in the NHL, and a huge part of our team success.

2) Monahan was horrible without Gaudreau. Whereas Bennett/Gaudreau was an amazing line, the rest of our team looked like the 2015 Sabres at the time. Splitting up Bennett/Gaudreau gave us two lines that could create chances.

 

[SmellOfVictory]

Because:

2) Monahan was horrible without Gaudreau. Whereas Bennett/Gaudreau was an amazing line, the rest of our team looked like the 2015 Sabres at the time. Splitting up Bennett/Gaudreau gave us two lines that could create chances.

He was, and I think they should break the pair up for a few weeks again, as a result. It'd be useful to have more evidence as to exactly how good Monahan is without Gaudreau, especially in a contract year in the midst of a rebuild.