The thing with Sam is, he isn't a black/white "playoff Sam" vs "regular season Sam", I strongly believe he was upset over his development in Calgary, improper line mates, inexperienced coaches, small contract - and his playoff games were statements about what he could do, and this game was another statement out of Sam. I still don't respect the fact he made millions and didn't try on purpose in Calgary.

Sam's going to be a lesson about buying low for the Panthers, taking a chance on a highly sought after position vs. Calgary's burden of blame for the mismanagement of his development, and Sam's retribution. I think there's also some truth behind Gaudreau forcing the coaches hand by playing poorly whenever he was separated from Monahan - and I think THAT really drove Bennett up the wall, and he started to do likewise (and I think Sutter realized that or found out from the assistants, and like an alpha, he separated Gaudreau & Monahan, and now he even has Monahan playing on the PK lol)
- eastcanadAREaholes

I keep reading that Bennett was the highest ever draft pick for Calgary. That must have led to some heavy pressure and expectations, and for a young guy, probably some entitlement issues too related to immaturity. He's still only 24, correct?

With the Panthers, it is obviously a new environment and doesn't carry the same baggage or media issues here. But, Ekblad, Barkov, and Huberdeau were all drafted higher than pick 4 overall. He probably won't even be the highest draft pick on his line in Florida. The pressure to carry the team and outplay Gaudreau is gone, so he'll have every opportunity to thrive and succeed here. I think there's a good chance that he'll really step up and take advantage of the opportunity to make a big impact. He certainly looked good in his first game.

Go Panthers!

I keep reading that Bennett was the highest ever draft pick for Calgary. That must have led to some heavy pressure and expectations, and for a young guy, probably some entitlement issues too related to immaturity. He's still only 24, correct?

With the Panthers, it is obviously a new environment and doesn't carry the same baggage or media issues here. But, Ekblad, Barkov, and Huberdeau were all drafted higher than pick 4 overall. He probably won't even be the highest draft pick on his line in Florida. The pressure to carry the team and outplay Gaudreau is gone, so he'll have every opportunity to thrive and succeed here. I think there's a good chance that he'll really step up and take advantage of the opportunity to make a big impact. He certainly looked good in his first game.

Go Panthers!
- JimboCoppertone

I bet he gets told all the time that he's a 4th overall draft pick. There's politics behind every NHL player's career: family, friends, agents. Sam kept his mouth shut in Calgary, but he looked spaced out, disengaged, and almost depressed all the time - then you throw in the fact he would coast all the time, weak forechecking vs. being a force in the playoffs, and being promoted as a ruthless competitor before the draft - that just didn't add up to me. Him trying when it suited him came down to politics and strategizing himself onto the 1st/2nd line and eventually out of Calgary, coach Ward was even asking him where he wanted to play

If he plays with Duclair/Huberdeau more, that alone will do him good. First, those are great players, allowing him to play #2C with success. Secondly, Sam has no reason to think they're against him. Sam's ego and frustration with the way he perceived that he was being treated, in my opinion was greater than the pressure of being a high draft pick.