C Sam Bennett - Kingston Frontenacs, OHL (2014, 4th overall, Calgary)

[UsernameWasTaken]

One of the Fronts 1st round picks from the '12 priority draft.

9th in rookie scoring in the O this year - 60 games, 18g, 22a, 40pts.

Previous teammate of McDavid - both with YSE and the Marlies.

Played at IIHF U18 this year (I was a bit surprised - i thought they'd toss HoSang a bone over him)

Don't see him being competitive at all for a WJC spot.

Next year will be interesting to watch re how he develops - right now i'm guessing solid first round around late teens or later ... but i think he's someone who can move up with a great year.

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[DKQ]

This guy is great, very underrated player. I could see him being a big riser for the draft over the next year

 

[Patmac40]

Loved his play in the U18. Was a spark plug out there and showed very good skill.

 

[Love]

For a second I thought it said Steve Bennett

 

[H44]

Username was taken:
Played at IIHF U18 this year (I was a bit surprised - i thought they'd toss HoSang a bone over him)
Don't see him being competitive at all for a WJC spot.

He had a solid rookie season with Kingston, and played very well at the U18's.
He has several more years of development ahead of him before he should be written off for the WJC's.

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

Username was taken:
Played at IIHF U18 this year (I was a bit surprised - i thought they'd toss HoSang a bone over him)
Don't see him being competitive at all for a WJC spot.

He had a solid rookie season with Kingston, and played very well at the U18's.
He has several more years of development ahead of him before he should be written off for the WJC's.

sorry, i meant next year (as an underage draft-eligible player).

 

[DekeLikeYouMeanIt]

He just gets it done. Good work ethic from what I've seen.

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

just wanted to bump the thread b/c it sounds like he's looked good at hlinka camp (and i think he was also good at iihf u18, no?).

 

[pharling]

I live in Kingston and watch Bennett play a lot. His line with Henri Ikonen who was just drafted by TB and Spencer Watson who is also a OHL rookie was dominant at times last season. They were the number one line for the Fronts and all three have very bright futures in my opinion. Keep your eye on the Fronts who may be next years Halifax dominating the entry draft.

 

[ottsabrefan]

Bennett plays centre. At least he did all last year.

 

[BondraTime]

just wanted to bump the thread b/c it sounds like he's looked good at hlinka camp (and i think he was also good at iihf u18, no?).

He is a top five 96' in Canada in my opinion. McKeowen, Ekblad, Dal Colle, Virtanen and Bennett make up a great group of 5.

 

[arsmaster*]

Only watched the highlights, but sick, sick goal last night in the season opener for Sam Bennett. Its on the OHL site in the game highlights.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Only watched the highlights, but sick, sick goal last night in the season opener for Sam Bennett. Its on the OHL site in the game highlights.

That goal was basically a microcosm of his game last night. He was putting on a stickhandling display all night, that one play just happened to result in a goal.

If there was ever a game where evidence that +/- is a useless stat, last night was it. Bennett was a -4 on the evening, despite the fact he was dominant almost every shift he was on the ice, and at both ends of the rink as well.

He wears #93, just like his GM used to, and the way he's playing, he sort of resembles him as well.

Oh, and to the OP, Bennett plays center.

 

[R S]

Great to see him so high on Bob's list. Love this kid's game and he doesn't get enough hype.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Another strong game for Bennett tonight. It didn't really translate on the scoresheet (he only had one assist), but he made an impact all over the rink tonight.

I think he's got an extra gear in his skating this season compared to last. He's beating defensemen wide on a regular basis this year. One thing I like about him is he seems to constantly be in motion. Even when he's not necessarily churning his legs, he's gliding so that he's never having to start from a standing position.

And his stickhandling looks even better. He's making defensemen look foolish on a regular basis with his puck control.

 

[Terrence]

Another strong game for Bennett tonight. It didn't really translate on the scoresheet (he only had one assist), but he made an impact all over the rink tonight.

I think he's got an extra gear in his skating this season compared to last. He's beating defensemen wide on a regular basis this year. One thing I like about him is he seems to constantly be in motion. Even when he's not necessarily churning his legs, he's gliding so that he's never having to start from a standing position.

And his stickhandling looks even better. He's making defensemen look foolish on a regular basis with his puck control.

Agreed. IMO he was the best player on the ice for both teams. He was throwing the body around a bit throughout the game as well.

 

[mapleleaf979]

Another strong game for Bennett tonight. It didn't really translate on the scoresheet (he only had one assist), but he made an impact all over the rink tonight.

I think he's got an extra gear in his skating this season compared to last. He's beating defensemen wide on a regular basis this year. One thing I like about him is he seems to constantly be in motion. Even when he's not necessarily churning his legs, he's gliding so that he's never having to start from a standing position.

And his stickhandling looks even better. He's making defensemen look foolish on a regular basis with his puck control.

Bennett is excellent at shielding the puck when he goes wide. He uses every inch of his reach. This kid is a gamer. The more pressure the more important the game, the bigger he plays. Bennett is gritty, tough and competitive, with his mindset 15-20 pounds will make him a nightmare to deal with. Under-rated sniper, can playmake when its there, loves to bang in the corners, agitate the opponent, battle like crazy for the puck, great hockey sense.

 

[Brew]

So far this kid has 10 pts (5g 5a) in 6 games. 6'0" 181 lbs. Looks like he could be a mid 1st round pick this year.

 

[Spitfire11]

Bennett is excellent at shielding the puck when he goes wide. He uses every inch of his reach. This kid is a gamer. The more pressure the more important the game, the bigger he plays. Bennett is gritty, tough and competitive, with his mindset 15-20 pounds will make him a nightmare to deal with. Under-rated sniper, can playmake when its there, loves to bang in the corners, agitate the opponent, battle like crazy for the puck, great hockey sense.

Yep, I've watched all his home games this year and have to agree on all points. He's also making great plays in his own end and used extensively on the penalty kill. He's been the best player on the ice every game I've seen so far. No way he doesn't go in the top 10, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if by the end of the year he climbs into the top 3-5.

 

[Patmac40]

So far this kid has 10 pts (5g 5a) in 6 games. 6'0" 181 lbs. Looks like he could be a mid 1st round pick this year.

I'd be surprised if he falls out of the top 10.

 

[Virtanen2Horvat]

I wish the Canucks could get him but you never know with the draft and players falling. Anyone want Lack I heard he is growing into a Schneider

 

[sniper81]

I'd be surprised if he falls out of the top 10.

I think he goes top 5. Specifically top 3.

 

[7even]

I think he goes top 5. Specifically top 3.

Best two way player in the draft IMO.

 

[McDNicks17]

Best two way player in the draft IMO.

I think Jared McCann has him beat there, but it's definitely close.

 

[Virtanen2Horvat]

Top 5 for sure.