Calgary Flames: 5 burning questions for 2018-19 season

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 09: Calgary Flames Left Wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) waits for a face-off during second period National Hockey League action between the Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators on March 9, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3 of 5

CALGARY, AB – APRIL 7: Sam Bennett #93 of the Calgary Flames plays against the Vegas Golden Knights during an NHL game on April 7, 2018 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Are we sure Sam Bennett is any good?

Sam Bennett’s 36 points in 2015-16 was followed by just 26 points in 2016-17. During the summer, he signed a two-year bridge deal in hopes of landing a big deal in 2019. Last season, he was once again stuck on 26 points.

As the fourth overall pick in 2014, you expect more than 26 points-per-season. Now, Bennett has one more year to prove himself. Play well this season and maybe he’s able to cash in on a long-term deal. Put up 26 points again and Calgary will probably be begging teams to throw an offer sheet at him.

Of course, they could always trade him.

Bennett’s underperformance has landed him in a bottom-six role, which isn’t ideal. It’s tough to put up points when your linemates are Michael Frolik and Derek Ryan. Both players conned Calgary out of big contracts following good seasons for different teams. They are third line players in every sense of the word, which isn’t a bad thing. It just means that expecting a skill player, like say a former top-five pick, to pile up points with them should not be expected.

There has to be some team out there willing to acquire Bennett for cheap and give him a top-six role. Calgary might be better off going that route, rather than watching Bennett toil at the bottom of their lineup. Or, you know, they could give him a top-six role. But that sounds a little too crazy.

Home/Calgary Flames