Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Samuel Bennett puts on a team sweater after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Calgary Flames in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
In just 57 games in 2013-14, Bennett posted 91 points and 118 penalty minutes leading the Kingston Frontenacs in both categories. Sam Bennett was drafted fourth overall in the 2014 NHL Draft and signed a three-year entry-level contract with our Calgary Flames on July 25, 2014.
The Hockey News touts Sam Bennett as follows:
"Assets: A highly skilled player, he also displays very good two-way acumen and the competitive fire of a future captain. Will also show a feisty side that’s tough to play against.Flaws: Will need to get significantly stronger if he is to continue to play his abrasive style in the long run at the NHL level. Also, he must prove himself as a goal-scorer in the pros."
NHL.com did “prospect blogs” leading into this year’s draft day. Here is an excerpt from the final Sam Bennett entry to his prospect blog:
"Then came the fourth pick, and when the Calgary Flames called my name a million things went through my mind. I can’t even describe how I felt. I think the main things were excitement and relief at the same time. Calgary is a team that I wanted to go to. I couldn’t be happier to be here.Standing on the stage, pulling on the jersey, it’s every kid’s dream. You always watch the NHL Draft as a kid. To finally put on the jersey is a dream come true."
In the 2013 NHL Draft the Calgary Flames drafted Sean Monahan 6th overall. Many folks figured that after a nine game NHL regular season audition, that the Calgary Flames would send Monahan back to the OHL. Scoring 6 goals during the “audition” cemented Monahan’s spot on the Flames NHL roster.
Fast forward to 2014, Sam Bennett finds himself in the same situation as Monahan. Various blogs are already calling for Sam Bennett to be sent back to juniors, whether it be before or after his nine game “audition”. How does the Flame For Thought family think the Sam Bennett situation will play itself out? Please vote in the poll and feel free to leave a comment below in the comment section.