Is this a proven fact? Who ever complained about having too many high quality centers? If it gets to a point where mony, backs, Bennett and Janko are fighting for the top 2-3 spots, that's when you move someone to the wing. That or make a trade. Top 6 center is worth more than a wing.
- dr_soiledpants

I am just tossing ideas out there. Healthy competition makes people better. Why not give Janko a shot against the Aves to see where he is at? Worst thing that can happen is we put this argument to rest.

To reiterate, I am not giving up on Bennett as a center, I want to see what Janko can bring. You never know until you try.

I think Bennett is going to bring it for the playoffs.

They don't need a top 6 C anymore. Backs has progressed rapidly.

Im not saying Bennett will not improve. I am saying, right now, a switch would do well. Let us see how Janks does centering for a bit.
- FLflames34

Backs has not progressed rapidly. He's a 10 year vet who developed at a medium to slow rate. If it weren't for injuries, could've been quicker I guess. You can never have too many top 6c developing. Bennett and Janko are not top 6c right now. Let them progress into that position and then deal with the "problem" at that time. This is a terrible and pointless discussion. Bennett is a center and should continue to be developed at that position.

Backs has not progressed rapidly. He's a 10 year vet who developed at a medium to slow rate. If it weren't for injuries, could've been quicker I guess. You can never have too many top 6c developing. Bennett and Janko are not top 6c right now. Let them progress into that position and then deal with the "problem" at that time. This is a terrible and pointless discussion. Bennett is a center and should continue to be developed at that position.
- dr_soiledpants

And by your argument, let us bury Janks forever or fight for 4C?

Look. To this point Bennett has underperformed his draft stock. Why are you fighting the shift idea? Do you hate Janitor bc Uncle Fest reached? It is now almost 5 yrs. I think he has earned the shot.

To block a player who will likely be a better 3C fit? A line of Bennett Janko Brouwer is an amizing shutdown line with scoring punch for the playoffs.

Maybe Bouma will shatter his foot, move versteeg down and make it happen
- FLflames34

Based on what exactly??? Brouwers solid >40% Corsi rating? Janko's proven pro track record of shutting down the opposition? I don't think you want to introduce a 1st year pro that you've been nurturing for a few years into the playoffs and mke him responsible for shutting down other teams best lines, unless you have no other choice. I don't know where you're getting this crap from?

And by your argument, let us bury Janks forever or fight for 4C?

Look. To this point Bennett has underperformed his draft stock. Why are you fighting the shift idea? Do you hate Janitor bc Uncle Fest reached? It is now almost 5 yrs. I think he has earned the shot.
- FLflames34

For the record I'm not opposed to trying Bennett on Jankowskis wing but let's maybe wait until next year. I'm certainly opposed to your suggestion that those 2 and Brouwer would be an amazing poop down line.

For the record I'm not opposed to trying Bennett on Jankowskis wing but let's maybe wait until next year. I'm certainly opposed to your suggestion that those 2 and Brouwer would be an amazing poop down line.
- TandA4Flames

I base it solely on size. No one said it would work, but it is certaimly a more tantalizing prospect than Versteeg Bennett Brouwer.

Hornet's nest stirred by a little move Bennett to the wing talk.

Hornet's nest stirred by a little move Bennett to the wing talk.
- Ol_Boy_Wop

I know! Its normally pretty chill in here. Some heated debate is not a bad thing. Just don't want to turn into the Canucks thread, its like Desperate Housewives in there.

Anyways, I think the big thing to remember is that Bennett is just a kid. Not everyone adjusts to the the NHL life the same. The travel, pressure, being away from family takes its toll on some more than others.

The kid is snake bit but when he does break out we have all seen what he can do. It's up to the coaching staff to figure out the best way to get him going.

Hornet's nest stirred by a little move Bennett to the wing talk.
- Ol_Boy_Wop

Not really. Just the suggestion that Brouwer could be used in a shut down role.

Not really. Just the suggestion that Brouwer could be used in a shut down role.
- TandA4Flames

I know. It is crazy to leave a player in his current position and try to aid that with a subtle move. Terrible!!!

Not really. Just the suggestion that Brouwer could be used in a shut down role.
- TandA4Flames

So true

I know. It is crazy to leave a player in his current position and try to aid that with a subtle move. Terrible!!!
- FLflames34

Explain, please, how this move helps Brouwer, the Flames or the 2 kids you're expecting to carry him? Especially with the pressure of a playoff push and subsequent playoff games?

Explain, please, how this move helps Brouwer, the Flames or the 2 kids you're expecting to carry him? Especially with the pressure of a playoff push and subsequent playoff games?
- TandA4Flames

Bennett needs less responsibility right now. They are all big bodies. Give it a 1 game whirl pre playoffs. Im not a prognosticator, but both are scuffling hard for some time. Who gives a shi t? Try it out.

Bennett needs less responsibility right now. They are all big bodies. Give it a 1 game whirl pre playoffs. Im not a prognosticator, but both are scuffling hard for some time. Who gives a shi t? Try it out.
- FLflames34

Sure, you want to give it a 1 game trial before the PO's begin. Ok. But only when CGY secures a PO spot but I really wouldn't want This to happen during the playoffs. I won't argue that Bennett could probably use less pressure at the moment. But my bigger concern would be the expected giant leap you would be forcing Jankowski into. That kind of thing should wait until next September.

Sure, you want to give it a 1 game trial before the PO's begin. Ok. But only when CGY secures a PO spot but I really wouldn't want This to happen during the playoffs. I won't argue that Bennett could probably use less pressure at the moment. But my bigger concern would be the expected giant leap you would be forcing Jankowski into. That kind of thing should wait until next September.
- TandA4Flames

I agree that it shouldn't be done until September, but I see Bennett having more success on the wing.

When it comes down it the first step is come next season will Jankowski be ready. If he proves that he is ready to be an NHL centre, then the question is what is better. One of Jankowski or Bennett centering the 4th line (not even considering the Stajan aspect at all)? I believe that will be a waste of one of their talents. I think the better option is to move one of them to the wing and try it. And based upon his size, two-way play, and even simply his face off and playmaking ability I see Jankowski being a better fit. Let Bennett play his tenacious, more goal scoring mentality style from the wing. Let Jankowski take the extra responsibilities that he has proven to be able to handle at each level he has played thus far.

I fully believe that is the best use of the skills that the Flames have available to them. Should injuries happen, they have a somewhat experienced center in Bennett that can fill a role.

Again not this year (unless they want to try it in a game that means nothing). But next season it will be an extremely real possibility.

How is he suppose to improve at his natural position if you take him away from it? The kid is a center, let him develop there. Sure he's had more success on the wing. Anybody would. After so many years with zero depth at c, it's finally a strength, and you guys want to take away from it. Last year it was trade backlund, now it's move Bennett to the wing. Janko hasn't finished his first year of pro, yet he's the second coming. Wtf has he done exactly? If he's going to earn a spot it'll be over stajan.
- dr_soiledpants

Agree with all of this. Let Bennett develop at his own pace and at his natural position.

"Bennett should have had a year in the AHL"

What year would that be? He was 19 last year and ineligible to play in the AHL. So this year then? After coming off a reasonable rookie season in a better league?

The dude plays like a bulldog and is working through a sophmore slump. People see low offensive production and want to change things. Let him work through it. The talent is there and he's going to be one hell of a Center.

And ffs the Janitor isn't better than Sam Bennett. Jesus Christ, people.

I made the fantasy finals! Just snuck in the playoffs and had to face the league's number one and was able to beat him by making a crucial waiver pick up while drunk on saturday.

Go Flames go

Agree with all of this. Let Bennett develop at his own pace and at his natural position.

"Bennett should have had a year in the AHL"

What year would that be? He was 19 last year and ineligible to play in the AHL. So this year then? After coming off a reasonable rookie season in a better league?

The dude plays like a bulldog and is working through a sophmore slump. People see low offensive production and want to change things. Let him work through it. The talent is there and he's going to be one hell of a Center.

And ffs the Janitor isn't better than Sam Bennett. Jesus Christ, people.
- fry

You dont know that.

Bennett should have spent a year in the A. As it is, Janko has spent many more years at the job and was developed properly. All 4 can't play top 3 c spots. And Bennett would be terrific on the wing.
- FLflames34

He couldn't spend a year in the A, it was either OHL or NHL. Is what it is, just be patient, he's 20 & he'll be good. I saw him lay out a nice hit in the St Louis game. An element that Monahan doesn't have to his game. Backlund is going to get paid huge in a year, we may not be able to afford him, so we need to keep developing Benny & get Janko in as the #3.