CALGARY – Sam Bennett has come a long way since his days in Calgary.
So much so that he may soon have the opportunity to consider returning to the city that drafted him in a lucrative package.
To understand why this is the case, consider this little suggestion from Panthers coach Paul Maurice when asked about Bennett’s immediate transformation after arriving at Florida four years ago.
“In fact, when I talked to him about the changes early on, he said, ‘Well, I’ve got to come here, I’ve got to play with (Jonathan) Huberdeau, and then I got moved to the middle, ‘ ” Morris said.
“Sometimes it’s just about finding the right person to give you your confidence back. It’s not a coach, it’s not a city, it’s another player.”
The Flames have been actively looking to attack center since losing Elias Lindholm last winter.
They’ve also been desperately searching for someone to help Huberdeau regain his form at Florida State.
Outside of twenty-something Bennett, few players fit the profile they’re looking for better than Benny Sr., who is expected to command a huge salary as a pending free agent.
Bennett, Florida’s two-time 20-goal scorer, has improved his efficiency to almost 1 point per game so far this season (13-13 in 30 games), and Bennett’s grit and playoff prowess will Making him one of the most sought after players on the open market this summer.
The Panthers will continue to try to use their expanding cap space to retain him.
However, failed negotiations could result in a trade, or he could simply sign elsewhere after South Florida’s last postseason spree.
That brings us to Calgary, where Bennett is the organization’s highest-ever draft pick, No. 4 overall in 2014.
With more than $19 million in projected cap space, general manager Craig Conroy is ready to make a splash when the right player comes along.
Much like signing the highly-touted Ryan Lomberg this summer, the Flames are familiar with Bennett.
Gone are coach and general manager Brad Treliving, who spent Bennett’s frustrating early years in Calgary where he was primarily used as a bottom-six winger.
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Early in his sixth season in Calgary, Bennett requested a trade as his playing time continued to dwindle, his efficiency never returned to the 18-goal pace of his rookie season, and he was troubled by his penchant for offensive zone penalties. For him and his team. A brief stint at center never panned out.
“I definitely had a time in my career in Calgary where things turned out the way I never would have imagined (that he would be selected for Team Canada),” said the 28-year-old, who was cleared by his club on Saturday. Said before. Flames 3-0.
“But I know deep down that I’m more of a player than I showed in Calgary and I can be more of a player.
“I guess I just needed a fresh start.”
Treliving traded Bennett to Florida in 2021 for Emil Heinemen and a second-round pick, which he later packaged and leased to Calle Jarnkrok. “This marks the end of a frustrating era for Bennett and the Flames as they were unable to dig out a ‘playoff Sam Bennett’ in the regular season.” I think playing center hockey It really helped him and his game, and I thought he was on the wing (in Calgary),” Morris said.
“When things don’t go well for a player, it’s always a good reminder that you have to be careful in judging them because all these guys have merit if you find their merit in the right position.”
The admiration Morris and the Panthers have for Bennett makes it hard to imagine they can’t work out a deal.
But maybe his meteoric rise as a Panther did keep him out of a market filled with superstars.
“I don’t know if that exact date is correct, and I’m not picking on anybody, but I think March 21, 2021, he was healthy,” said Morris, who was just weeks away from the actual date. On March 6, Bennett was excluded from the Battle of Alberta.
“That wasn’t that long ago.
“He traveled a long distance in a short period of time.
“Now he’s a big part of our identity, he has a Stanley Cup ring, he’s going to represent his country (in the Four Nations).
“So, it’s also a reminder to all the players to work as hard as he does every day and great things can happen to you.”
Bennett will soon have a big role on Team Canada this coming February, playing a garbage role on the third or fourth line designed to limit and frustrate teammates like Matthew Tkachuk, his teammate at Florida and Calgary. Such a young man.
“It’s not going to be fun to play against him as a competitor on another team, but I’m glad he earned the opportunity,” said Team USA prop Tkachuk.
“It’s well-deserved. He’s earned it and he’s done it the hard way.
“He’s really made a name for himself in the playoffs the last few years. Same thing in the regular season, but he’s a playoff player and you look at the Four Nations, they’re all seventh games.”
