Flame for Thought
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Calgary Flames Monday Roundtable: Forwards Edition

By Ramina Shlah

Dec 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Calgary Flames right wing Kris Versteeg (10) and defenseman TJ Brodie (7) and right wing Troy Brouwer (36) and center Sean Monahan (23) and left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrate Monahan's game winning goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Flames defeat the Stars 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Calgary Flames right wing Kris Versteeg (10) and defenseman TJ Brodie (7) and right wing Troy Brouwer (36) and center Sean Monahan (23) and left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrate Monahan's game winning goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Flames defeat the Stars 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sam Bennett (93) during the warmup period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sam Bennett (93) during the warmup period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Question 2: We saw struggles with Sam Bennett – should the Flames leave him exposed or protect him?

Jonathan Boulanger

Absolutely protect him. If he is exposed that is a major mistake by the Flames. The kid is still only 20! He has a great amount of potential but his confidence is severely bruised. If he can start piling up some points and get into a rhythm, I still think he can turn into a superstar. Also if he can find a player/ pair of players to have chemistry with, that will give him a major boost as well. Confidence is key.

Alex Hoegler

Protect Bennett for crying out loud. The guy is only 20 years of age. This is a 20-goal scorer who has only played two seasons in the pros. Do not let him go.

Related Story: Sam Bennett Rollercoaster - Should he be Traded?

Dan Raicevich

Protect him, and it’s a no-brainer. The kid is going to be a standout in the National Hockey League. He plays a heavy game. He had a tough season, and it seems to be growing pains for the youngster. Give him time, he has a high upside.

Ramina Shlah

Well, it seems like the general consensus here is to protect Bennett. But again, I agree. He’s still extremely young with a lot of potential. He wasn’t projected as the best North American skater at the draft for nothing. He’s never played with good linemates and that definitely makes a difference. Like Jonathan said, his confidence has been shot. But in the playoffs, he exceeded expectations and played like a playoff performer.

The Calgary Flames should protect him and keep because he’s a versatile player. He’s fast, he’s good on the penalty kill, and he has hard, but clean hits. He said that this off-season, he wants to get stronger and faster and if he can, he may be unstoppable.

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