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With absolutely nothing happening in the hockey world right now, and for the foreseeable future, I’ve decided to take the plunge and write player profiles for each member of the Calgary Flames.
As was the case when I did them last summer, I’ll be looking at the season they just put together and expectations moving forward.
I’ve written up four players thus far, with pending free agent T.J. Brodie being the most recent.
Today we’re going with Young Sam Bennett™.
Counting stats: 52 games played, 12 points (eight goals, four assists), 12:31 average time on ice
5v5 underlyings: 1.11 points/60, -1.51 CF% Rel, +0.62 GF% Rel, +1.62 xGF% Rel, 100.2 PDO
2019-20 review: I realize Sam Bennett is still only 23. I think the ship is starting to sail on him, though. I really do. I just don’t see any scenario where he develops into a top-6 forward. I’m not even sure he’ll be an everyday top-9 guy. He just doesn’t have the offensive pop, which is shocking after watching him regularly during his Kingston days.
Bennett averaged just 1.11 points per 60 at 5v5. That’s the lowest output of his career, and was bested by noted offensive dynamos Eric Robinson, Ryan Reaves, Marcus Sorensen, Carter Rowney, Trevor Lewis, Jacob de la Rose, and Stefan Noesen. Not great!
It’s not really surprising Bennett’s rate production tumbled down. He generated way fewer chances (and Grade As) than over the last couple of years.
In 2017-18 he averaged 10.03 chances (4.58 Grade As) per 60. In 2018-19 he averaged 9.18 chances (4.63 Grade As) per 60. This season he came in at 7.7 chances (3.34 Grade As) per 60. That’s quite the fall.
Bennett also took minor penalties at the 2nd highest rate of his career and drew minors at the worst rate of his career.
So, in short, Bennett’s on-ice numbers were pedestrian (he finished with a negative goal differential for the fourth year in a row), his offensive outputs were poor even by his usual standards, and penalties continued to be an issue.
Yikes.
Fun fact(s): Bennett is one of seven forwards to log at least 580 minutes at 5v5 and fail to record a single secondary assist. Only three forwards (same minutes criteria) recorded fewer total assists.
2020-21 outlook: I wouldn’t be surprised if Bennett – like another former high pick in Sean Monahan – is one of the notable names moved by the Flames this off-season, whenever that may be.
I just don’t think it’s going to work in Calgary. Bennett has been spinning his wheels as a bottom-6er for years now. He just isn’t progressing. I don’t think he deserves more opportunity, and I don’t think Calgary is going to give it to him.
To me, he seems like an obvious trade candidate. Don’t give him away, of course, but if there’s a team willing to bet there’s more beneath the surface of the 23-year-old, move on, clear $2.55 million off the books, and better allocate those dollars elsewhere.
numbers via naturalstattrick.com and hockey-reference.com
Recent posts:
2020-21 player profile: T.J. Brodie
2020-21 player profile: Mikael Backlund
2020-21 player profile: Noah Hanifin
2020-21 player profile: Elias Lindholm
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Calgary’s three stars of the month for February
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Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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