In a year where a lot was expected of the Calgary Flames, they missed the playoffs by 11 points.
As such, it should be no surprise GM Brad Treliving is looking to make some meaningful changes this off-season.
T.J. Brodie and Dougie Hamilton have already had their names surface for different reasons. (By now you all know my stance the latter shouldn't be going anyhere.)
Now Sam Bennett's name is popping up as well.
This is what Elliotte Friedman had to say about Bennett during a recent radio spot with Edmonton's 630 CHED (…‹transcription via FRSHockey).
“And the other guy too I think is going to be Sam Bennett. I think they will consider Sam Bennett. And if they get an offer that’s good enough on Sam Bennett, I wouldn’t be surprised if they pulled that trigger too.…
Bennett is coming off yet another disappointing season. He showed a lot of promise as a rookie recording 18 goals and 36 points. In two seasons since he has tallied 26 goals and 52 points in 163 games. Not exactly great production.
Making matters worse is he hasn't made an impact in other ways. The Flames have fared better in possession without Bennett and they've unsurprisingly garnered better results as well. Over the last two years, the Flames have been out-scored by 29 with Bennett on the ice at 5v5 and he has taken 17 more penalties than he has drawn in all game states.
Yes, he was a 4th overall pick. Yes, he's still 21. He could still turn into a very solid contributor. He could also continue to run in place and his value dips every season that happens.
Provided the Flames receive a solid offer, and don't sell him for pennies just to make a change, I can understand moving on. Bennett just hasn't shown enough to make me believe dealing him would be a huge mistake.
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