1) I don't think anyone on the Calgary Flames is off to a more disappointing start than Sam Bennett.
The Flames really need him to take a big step forward if they're going to legitimately contend this season and, though it's still early, he doesn't look ready to do that.
He's not creating anything offensively -- he is tied for 13th in 5v5 scoring chances and averages fewer per 60 than the likes of Curtis Lazar, Matt Stajan, and Tanner Glass -- and has struggled mightily in possession regardless of who he's played with.
As it stands, Bennett ranks last among 15 Flames (minimum seven games) in Corsi For% and almost every player on the team has fared better in that regard without Bennett.
note: sorted from most minutes together (left) to least (right)
The sample sizes are still very small, but it is not exactly encouraging he's dragging teammates down in possession, especially given he's not providing anything offensively and has a negative penalty differential.
If he doesn't flip the switch soon the Flames should make changes like shifting Bennett to the wing, which they now have the flexibility to do with Mark Jankowski in the picture.
2) Another guy I wouldn't be shocked to see if things don't improve in the coming weeks: Rasmus Andersson. I think we can all agree Matt Bartkowski has not played well this season and the coaching staff has zero faith in Brett Kulak -- he had to sit seven games before getting in the lineup and playing eight minutes -- so I don't know that the team will wait much longer to make a change if things don't improve. I think in a perfect world they want Andersson to get some more seasoning but he could very well be their best option. In the event he gets recalled, I think trying Michael Stone on his off-side would make the most sense. Andersson is the one who'd carry the load with zone exits, anyway, and he'll need his strong side.
3) Prior to the season, GM Brad Treliving cited a lack of goal scorers as one thing that worried him a little bit heading into the year. To this point, that's been a problem as the team ranks 28th in goals per game and 26th in 5v5 goals/60. Their shot and chance numbers are more encouraging but, clearly, there's still a lot of room for improvement. Hopefully Jaromir Jagr isn't out long because the Flames need his offense.
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