One thing I've thought about, is the fact I've never heard Monahan, Gaudreau, Tkachuk, nor Lindholm talk about improving a part of their game over the off-season.

How hard is it to watch highlight videos of Crosby or Makar - and get a few take aways that you could throw into your game? Even if it's a few moves that help you become less predictable. "Play my game" is uttered too often, improve your game as Sutter said

Gaudreau also needs to do significant off-ice training, that's one thing in his power..

One thing I've thought about, is the fact I've never heard Monahan, Gaudreau, Tkachuk, nor Lindholm talk about improving a part of their game over the off-season.

How hard is it to watch highlight videos of Crosby or Makar - and get a few take aways that you could throw into your game? Even if it's a few moves that help you become less predictable. "Play my game" is uttered too often, improve your game as Sutter said

Gaudreau also needs to do significant off-ice training, that's one thing in his power..
- eastcanadAREaholes

Most of our guys are not superstars that get fluff articles written about how they spent their offseasons. Not sure if Monahan will be around next year, but I am hoping that Sutter can make him into a decent 200ft player.

(frank) who knows, trying to find positives about this team but its not easy.

I think they will be a better team next year, part of the growing pains.

People can’t get over the fact of where he was drafted, you’re not going to change anyone’s mind on that. People can’t ignore the stupid penalties he took for the first couple years even though he cleaned up that part of his game this year. He’s 24 and still growing his game, I hope the kid we got for him turns out and that Treliving can turn another 2nd into a gem.
The fact is that Sam added an element to the Flames that they truly lack and I don’t see anyone coming that can replace that.
- K-man25

I don't think as many people are hung up on where he was drafted as those who are/were purely frustrated at his GAF meter being broken most nights.

He had 6 years to develop his game and his game didn't change. And he didn't stop taking stupid penalties at any point in his career - he was still taking them with the Panthers in the playoffs FFS.

Bennetts only 24yrs old. The guy hits, fights, pk's, fast and showed many bursts of talent. Ya, I'm definitely watching the wrong sport when it's a good idea to trade those guys away before their prime.

Look at Paul Byron in Mtl. Good thing we got rid of him before his prime too. 3 to 4 breakaways every game. Looks terrible with that A in mtl. Bust.
- Razzdazzle1

When does he do that? Listen, I'm a Bennett fan. I agree, (PLAYOFF) Sam Bennett is exactly what this team needs more of (to an extent). What he isn't is more the concern. He's not fast, he's really not, not overly big and has no or little scoring touch. He takes stupid, lazy penalties and thats been the issue. He was drafted where he was expected to be. He was a scorer in Junior and showed that touch in his first few games in the league. He was given 6 years to find a role but it wasn't the role HE wanted and the inconsistency was the result.

Byron was a stupid gamble and the Habs grabbed him. Won't disagree on that one.

Most of our guys are not superstars that get fluff articles written about how they spent their offseasons. Not sure if Monahan will be around next year, but I am hoping that Sutter can make him into a decent 200ft player.

(frank) who knows, trying to find positives about this team but its not easy.

I think they will be a better team next year, part of the growing pains.
- DuranDuran

I know most of the Flames players have a program that Ryan van Asten puts together and most work with private trainers.

I don't think the off season training is the issue. Most come into camp in shape (Gio is considered one of the fittest NHLer's). Good article on some of the best trainers the pro's work with:
https://www.si.com/hockey...-stars-get-ready-to-shine

I hope you're right DD... This season was painful.

Bennetts only 24yrs old. The guy hits, fights, pk's, fast and showed many bursts of talent. Ya, I'm definitely watching the wrong sport when it's a good idea to trade those guys away before their prime.

Look at Paul Byron in Mtl. Good thing we got rid of him before his prime too. 3 to 4 breakaways every game. Looks terrible with that A in mtl. Bust.
- Razzdazzle1

I can't tell if this is a tongue in cheek post or not, so will assume it's serious...

1) Bennett didn't start killing penalties until this year. He average less than 20 seconds per game prior to this season. The Flames carved out a minor role for him (still the #7 fwd in SHTOI this year, 6th if you remove Froese)
2) He hits... sure. He was 5th on the team in hits this year. 3rd last year and not far ahead of Lindholm... who cares if he hits guys twice a game? Ritchie laid more checks than Bennett in fewer games.
3) He's shown bursts of talent...and has always regressed
4) Paul Byron has scored 9 goals in his last 75 regular season games and has 2 career playoff goals. This is not some elite first line talent...
5) The league leader in fights this year had 7. Bennett had 2. Are we really worried about missing out on 1 fight every 30 games? Hell, 1 of them, his only one in a Flames uni came right after his trade demands became public because he knew he had to prove he had some value.

Bennett might flourish outside of Calgary, and good on him if he does, but this wasn't "giving up on a guy" - he gave up on the team.