Sam Bennett’s days as a member of the Calgary Flames appear to be numbered. At least if he has his way.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Bennett’s camp has requested a trade and would welcome a change of scenery.
Friedman on Headlines says there were rumours going around this morning Sam Bennett wanted a trade, EF called his agent Darren Ferris and he said it's true, they'd like it to be considered. #CofRed
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 31, 2021
This isn’t necessarily surprising. Young Sam Bennettâ„¢ is now 24, believe it or not, and things just haven’t worked out in Calgary.
He’s never really made much of an impact or been given a big role with the team; and he hasn’t deserved one (outside of a couple stretches in the playoffs).
Bennett recorded 36 points and a GAR of +6.9 in his debut season in the NHL. He looked the part of an emerging star. Things fell apart the very next year (26 points and a GAR of +1.6) and Bennett’s never gotten on track since.
From 2017-present, Bennett averaged just 1.38 points per 60 at 5v5. That is pedestrian bottom-6 efficiency, which is where he has found himself in the lineup.
So, whether he generates chances or not, you’re not getting much production from Bennett. Attached with mediocre offensive output is a bunch of penalties, no play-driving ability, and negative overall impact.
Since his rookie season concluded, Bennett has been worth *checks notes* MINUS-9.4 GAR over 293 games. Yikes.
Sure, the Flames haven’t stuck with him in the top-6 for extended periods. But he had his share of chances and never took advantage of them. That’s on him.
The Flames invested a 4th overall pick in Bennett and turned down countless trade opportunities over the years. They wanted things to work out; perhaps a little too much. Where we are says more about Bennett than how the Flames handled things, in my opinion.
With regards to what a potential return might look like, I don’t think the Flames will be able to fetch a whole lot at this point. Any deal would likely include a similarly flawed/disappointing player (Pavel Zacha, let’s say) coming back.
I’m not sure the Flames will be racing to accept that kind of deal; especially considering any player they acquire – assuming it is from an American team – will need to quarantine for a couple weeks before becoming available.
Is it worth trading Bennett for someone who might not be an upgrade, and losing a player from the rotation for two weeks to do it? Probably not; unless Bennett’s request becomes a problem in the locker room, which I don’t really see happening.
I expect the Flames will give Bennett what he wants and cut the cord, but I could see this dragging on for a while. Calgary still likes Bennett – probably more than they should, honestly – and will likely wait things out until they get a half decent piece back. At least they’ll try.
Numbers via Evolving-Hockey.com Recent posts: