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1) In order for the Calgary Flames to take a big step forward this season, they need Sam Bennett to do the same.

His preseason play suggests he may be ready to do just that. Bennett has no doubt benefited from going against watered-down lineups, but his play thus far has still been encouraging. An argument can be made he's been the Flames' best player through the first few games.

At 5v5, the Flames are out-chancing their opponents 16-3 with Bennett on the ice. He also has three points in two games and is probably deserving of more given some of the chances he's created.

Good news: Sam Bennett set up some Grade A chances
Bad news: none of them were finished pic.twitter.com/j2jdLsZkqJ

— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) September 19, 2017

2) I can't help but wonder if the Flames are having second thoughts about their trade for Curtis Lazar. All summer we heard about how hard he was training and how he'd show up in camp a new player. To this point, that doesn't look to be the case.

He has no points and two shots in more than 40 minutes of ice, he's not driving play, and he struggled in the dot when given the chance at center. On a per game basis, Lazar ranks 13th among Flames forwards in average ice per game this preseason.

Best case, it's looking like he'll play on their 4th line and there's no guarantee the impact he makes is a positive one. That doesn't seem worth a 2nd round pick.

3) Rasmus Andersson has quietly had a strong preseason. He's looked calm with the puck on his stick, has done a nice job of getting his shots through traffic (as well as shooting for deflections), and the Flames have out-chanced their opponents 17-8 with him on the ice at 5v5.

He may not make the team -- playing him on his off-side, or keeping him as the 7th defenseman doesn't make much sense for his development -- but it won't be because of his play.

Recent posts:

Five takeaways from the Flames' loss to the Canucks

On goaltending, Bennett, Foo and more

Flames sign Joseph Cramarossa to PTO

Three Flames question marks for the 2017-18 season

Flames sign Sam Bennett to two-year extension

Flames sign Glass to PTO

Flames sign Kulak to one-year extension

On Versteeg, Brodie, and power play shooting

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