Speculation: Armchair GM Thread - 2019/20 Season

[DFF]

ROR was more comparable to Bennett or Lindholm than he was to Monahan. .

ROR has been a consistent 60 pt scorer for years. Bennett hasnt even been half that. You could argue maybe after a couple years due to potential but at this point there is no comparison between the two.

Serious question, after 5 yrs and who knows how many coaches, Why nobody wants to give Bennett a chance? They cant all colluded against him.

 

[Nanuuk]

We have to remember that Bennett was our highest pick in ages and was/is a centre. I can't help but think that at that time the Flames brain trust must have felt he was the future #1 or 2C. Broke in as a raw 18 year old as did Monahan, but didn't enjoy the immediate success than Mony did. And that might have something to do with playing with some not too shabby wingers at the time (Cammallari, Hudler) as I recall.

Sam comes in the next year already behind Monahan, Backlund, and Stajn in the pecking order with one J. Gaudreau making a big splash on Mony's wing. Sam only got into one game that season as he was coming off a shoulder injury. 2015 was his first full year. I don't know how many games it played at centre, but he was still down the depth chart and a 19 year old at that.

After that as we all know he's been trying to find a regular spot on the wing. Now at age 23, he has matured physically and mentally, has learned to play a solid 200 foot game and is ready to be a centre in my opinion. Playing centre gives him more room to move and to use his speed. He is better able to dish the puck to his left or right and plays with grit. I think he will continue to improve and suddenly the Flames have a surplus of capable C's. Meaning one of them could be used as trade bait.

 

[OvermanKingGainer]

We have to remember that Bennett was our highest pick in ages and was/is a centre. I can't help but think that at that time the Flames brain trust must have felt he was the future #1 or 2C. Broke in as a raw 18 year old as did Monahan, but didn't enjoy the immediate success than Mony did. And that might have something to do with playing with some not too shabby wingers at the time (Cammallari, Hudler) as I recall.

Actually Bennett had more points and better underlying metrics as a 19 year old rookie than Monahan had as... a 19 year rookie. The difference is that as Sophomores Bennett got buried by a clueless coach and has never been able to undo that hit to his reputation. Peters and Ward had no interest in seeing what they had. Meanwhile Hartley plugged Sophomore Monahan onto Gaudreau's line because the other options were Markus Granlund or Josh Jooris and we've never been able to think grander since then.

2015 was his first full year. I don't know how many games it played at centre, but he was still down the depth chart and a 19 year old at that.

I'd guesstimate that he played about 30 games at center and about 50 at wing as a rookie. Of the 50 at wing I'd guesstimate about 20 were on Markus Granlund's left wing as the team was determined to make horrible lineup decisions.

 

[JPeeper]

Silly question; you get your elite franchise number one centres through the draft, just like every team does. But when your organization/fans are too proud for that, well then, this is what you get; mediocrity.

If the Flames would just have had the guts and foresight to have an "off" year without overreacting, they'd vault into contender status. Much like the Jets did when they were gifted Laine. Or the Avalanche with Makar. But hey, I'm sure things will be fine when the Ducks or Kings draft Byfield or Lafreniere and the Flames trade Gaudreau for scraps and start building around Monahan.

It's not necessarily "having the guts and foresight", even when the Flames sold off everyone and had poor goaltending the best they could do was 4th overall, Florida, Buffalo and Edmonton were still much worse. In 2013 it was the same, sold of Iggy and Bouw, Kipper sucked and we still could only pull 6th overall because there was 5 teams who were more putrid. 2015 when we should have been going for McDavid, Gio emerged as a Norris caliber player, Gaudreau came in and found chemistry with Hudler and Monahan and we had stupidly high PDO that season with a boatload of comebacks, following year we had some of the worst goaltending ever and managed 5th worst.

Fact is the Flames either always had too many good pieces (2015), even if that's only 2-3 guys or other teams were just more pathetic ('13, '14, '16). That and we were able to trade for cornerstone players like Hamilton which in turn lead to Lindholm and Hanifin.

And something I completely disagree with you on because I know you want Byfield, but if the Flames did get the 1st overall pick this year there is no and I mean NO reason they should draft Byfield or trade down for Byfield if they have the chance to draft Lafreniere. Regardless of his position and the fact the Flames are stacked at LW, you take the borderline generational left winger who is far better.

 

[Calculon]

It's true that other organizations sucked more, but at the same time, the Flames pulled out of their rebuild too early. Plus, random career games from journeymen like Begin or Backstrom didn't exactly help either. But the off year part was in reference to this year; given the struggles from a huge chunk of the roster, the Peters incident, Ward being joke, etc. Half of it just accepting it and taking the appropriate steps (i.e. selling) and other half is a lot of luck in the draft lottery.

And regarding the draft, I was thinking more if they drafted anywhere from second to I dunno, tenth overall so they could draft any of Byfield, Perfetti, Rossi or Stutzle. If they ended up with the first overall pick, of course they should take Lafreniere; he's head and shoulders better than everyone else. And in that scenario, you just move Gaudreau for a centre.

 

[SKRusty]

I question why numerous people on this board even bother following the Flames. There is no pride in the city, the team or the people that work for it.

Many of you here are sitting here preaching from the pulpit of how we need to blow up the team and start over. REALLY?

Hmmm Recent teams that have done this Edmonton, Buffalo, and Toronto.

Edmonton Oilers
Um up highway 2 way we have seen how 10 out of 11 first round picks have been made in the top 10. Including 4 first picks overall. Are the Oilers in any better of a position to win the Stanley Cup today? NO

Buffalo
7 Straight years of drafting in the top ten. Building for just as long as the Flames. Unlike the FLames the Sabres have not made the playoffs little lone have even been considered a contender for a playoff spot.

Toronto

Toronto brought in the best scouts to rebuild this team and their abilities to draft are very apparent with a line-up full of talent starting with Matthews, Marner, Reilly, and Nylander. Then this team brought in the largest free agent signing in a decade by landing John Tavares after the Leafs brought in Fredrick Andersen.

Despite all the talent this team lost to the 'Canes last night with a 42 year old beer league goalie in their net. Do you really think the Leafs are in any better situation than the Flames?


The Bottom line
You guys don't know what the hell your talking about. This team is far from perfect but the depth in the line-up down into and including the minors may be one of the deepest in the league.

Who else has a team that could justify Backlund playing on the 4th line?

Calgary is in the top 3-4 teams in defense composition. Our top 12 compares with anyone and though there are a few hiccups this year how can you write off a line-up that put up 289 goals good for second in the NHL behind Tampa.

This team can win and it can win EVERYTHING this year. The only need I see maybe picking up Mike Hoffman for the first line of Chucky, Backlund and Hoffman. Hoffman fixes the PP, brings a sniper and gives Calgary a one-two punch.

The Flames are CONTENDERS provided the D gets healthy. Flames rule and you trolls drool!

 

[viper0220]

I question why numerous people on this board even bother following the Flames. There is no pride in the city, the team or the people that work for it.

Many of you here are sitting here preaching from the pulpit of how we need to blow up the team and start over. REALLY?

Hmmm Recent teams that have done this Edmonton, Buffalo, and Toronto.

Edmonton Oilers
Um up highway 2 way we have seen how 10 out of 11 first round picks have been made in the top 10. Including 4 first picks overall. Are the Oilers in any better of a position to win the Stanley Cup today? NO

Buffalo
7 Straight years of drafting in the top ten. Building for just as long as the Flames. Unlike the FLames the Sabres have not made the playoffs little lone have even been considered a contender for a playoff spot.

Toronto

Toronto brought in the best scouts to rebuild this team and their abilities to draft are very apparent with a line-up full of talent starting with Matthews, Marner, Reilly, and Nylander. Then this team brought in the largest free agent signing in a decade by landing John Tavares after the Leafs brought in Fredrick Andersen.

Despite all the talent this team lost to the 'Canes last night with a 42 year old beer league goalie in their net. Do you really think the Leafs are in any better situation than the Flames?


The Bottom line
You guys don't know what the hell your talking about. This team is far from perfect but the depth in the line-up down into and including the minors may be one of the deepest in the league.

Who else has a team that could justify Backlund playing on the 4th line?

Calgary is in the top 3-4 teams in defense composition. Our top 12 compares with anyone and though there are a few hiccups this year how can you right off a line-up that put up 289 goals good for second in the NHL behind Tampa.

This team can win and it can win EVERYTHING this year. The only need I see maybe picking up Mike Hoffman for the first line of Chucky, Backlund and Hoffman. Hoffman fixes the PP, brings a sniper and gives Calgary a one-two punch.

The Flames are CONTENDERS provided the D gets healthy. Flames rule and you trolls drool!

I don't think the Flames should rebuild but a retool of some sort + one of Laviolette, Gallant or Boudreau would do this team wonders.

 

[tmurfin]

We have to remember that Bennett was our highest pick in ages and was/is a centre. I can't help but think that at that time the Flames brain trust must have felt he was the future #1 or 2C. Broke in as a raw 18 year old as did Monahan, but didn't enjoy the immediate success than Mony did. And that might have something to do with playing with some not too shabby wingers at the time (Cammallari, Hudler) as I recall.

Mony actually played quite a bit with the likes of Colborne, Glencross and Galiardi that year too. He had like 5 goals 7 points in his first 8 games before he got real 1st line minutes, he earned his way up. And while yes Cammy was there, he only had 45 points that year. People shit on Monahan all the time, but his rookie season was legitimately a very good season for him in his own right, dude just has a nose for the net and he was a killer in the shootout that year iirc.

Everyone acts like you take Gaudreau away and he’s a 3rd liner, I’d wager he’s a 25-30 goal scorer on any team in the league. (Sorry to sidetrack )

 

[OvermanKingGainer]

Edmonton Oilers
Um up highway 2 way we have seen how 10 out of 11 first round picks have been made in the top 10. Including 4 first picks overall. Are the Oilers in any better of a position to win the Stanley Cup today? NO

They're a flawed team but the answer to that is yes. They're a team with the #1 powerplay and the #2 penalty kill. I hate giving them credit as much as anyone on CFHF and I honestly think that they're a few quality bottom forwards away from a contender. Which with some cap space in a year or two they'll be able to add.

Buffalo
7 Straight years of drafting in the top ten. Building for just as long as the Flames. Unlike the FLames the Sabres have not made the playoffs little lone have even been considered a contender for a playoff spot.

They've got two of the most important positions absolutely figured out in Eichel and Dahlin unlike us, and Montour is another outstanding piece. They lost the ROR trade hard hard just as their blue line was starting to shape up and their management isn't necessarily good on a whole. But yes, I'd trade our whole roster for a chance to build around Eichel and Dahlin, if we could keep Giordano on as captain and Sam Bennett.

Toronto

Toronto brought in the best scouts to rebuild this team and their abilities to draft are very apparent with a line-up full of talent starting with Matthews, Marner, Reilly, and Nylander. Then this team brought in the largest free agent signing in a decade by landing John Tavares after the Leafs brought in Fredrick Andersen.

Despite all the talent this team lost to the 'Canes last night with a 42 year old beer league goalie in their net. Do you really think the Leafs are in any better situation than the Flames?

Much like Buffalo, Toronto made an idiotic trade when they shipped Kadri off. Now they're weak down the middle and it's cost them. Tavares and Matthews are too similar and don't complement each other the way Kadri does. Building a good team isn't easy but in Matthews and Marner they have a chance to be a very good team for a long time. It's going to take some tweaking and might require them to ship Tavares out, who had nothing to do with their original rebuild plan and ended up tying their hands up from a cap perspective. They've been pushing for acquiring Bennett and I could see Bennett being the missing piece to take them to the promise land while we languish in irrelevance.

The Bottom line
You guys don't know what the hell your talking about. This team is far from perfect but the depth in the line-up down into and including the minors may be one of the deepest in the league.

Depth is good in addition to top end talent. Unfortunately as long as Sean Monahan is "our top end talent", this team has only depth. And depth is easier to acquire than players like Jack Eichel, Rasmus Dahlin, Connon McDavid, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner.

Who else has a team that could justify Backlund playing on the 4th line?

Lol, who else has a team that could justify Monahan playing on the 1st line as a center? Literally no one or near a playoff spot right now would prefer Monahan in that role. Here's the list of centers that, for this season, assuming they were trying to make any sort of run, a team would not trade away for Sean Monahan

Kuznetsov
Backstrom
O'Rielly
MacKinnon
Seguin
McDavid
Petterson
Karlsson
Bergeron
Point
Cirelli
Johnson
Stamkos
Crosby
Malkin
Couturier
Barzal
Aho
Zibanejad
Toews
Kopitar
Hischier
Dubois
Eichel
Tavares
Matthews
Kadri
Barkov
Larkin
Hertl
Couture
Pavelski
Scheifele
Krejci
Coyle
Draisaitl
Domi
Staal
Staal
Duchene
Trochek
Horvat
Stastny
Schenn


And then arguably guys like RyJo or Strome or the other Strome who are basically Monahan types

When Sean Monahan is treated/utilized as your best player at your most important position you end up with a 21-25-16 record in regulation even if you have the best damn supporting cast in the NHL.

Calgary is in the top 3-4 teams in defense composition. Our top 12 compares with anyone and though there are a few hiccups this year how can you right off a line-up that put up 289 goals good for second in the NHL behind Tampa.

A defense rolling Mike Stone and Travis Hamonic, while not having a RHS powerplay specialist... is not top anything. The only time this team ever had potential for a top 3-4 defense was in 2018, IF Gulutzan had been smart enough to roll something like

Gio-Brodie
Kulak-Hamilton
Kylington-Hamonic

That never happened. The team botched its chances to really use the assets it had on the blue line.

Right now we have a poor blue line even if healthy. We not only traded away Hamilton, but Hamonic has declined, we traded away Fox, Brodie is a pending UFA, and Valimaki is a huge question mark having lost key developmental years to major injuries. Andersson is a good piece but looks to be trending more towards an Alex Edler type secondary piece than a Drew Doughty type primary piece. Kylington is a good piece but the team is terrified of using him as anything more than filler and is looking to ship him off for chump change the first opportunity they get.

This team is run by idiots.

This team can win and it can win EVERYTHING this year. The only need I see maybe picking up Mike Hoffman for the first line of Chucky, Backlund and Hoffman. Hoffman fixes the PP, brings a sniper and gives Calgary a one-two punch.

The Flames are CONTENDERS provided the D gets healthy. Flames rule and you trolls drool!

People call me a homer when I post accurate pro-Flames content.

But this is just wrong.

We have a regulation points percentage of .468

You know where that ranks in the NHL?

26th place.

This is a 26th place team when you take away non-playoff nonsense like shootouts and 3 on 3.

That's a contender?

Yeah, it's a contender for a lottery pick. Except they're not even going to get that.

 

[Turning Mangiapanese]

ROR has been a consistent 60 pt scorer for years. Bennett hasnt even been half that. You could argue maybe after a couple years due to potential but at this point there is no comparison between the two.

Serious question, after 5 yrs and who knows how many coaches, Why nobody wants to give Bennett a chance? They cant all colluded against him.

Word. This "Sam is a #1C" schtick needs to die, it was mildly amusing a few years ago but give it a rest already. If you put a guy with genuine #1C talent on 3rd line wing, he should be dominating those minutes and forcing his way up after about 15 games, instead of putting up 5 30pts seasons in a row. Bennett is still a useful player and a spark plug, but the emphasis is on the word plug.

 

[DFF]

I question why numerous people on this board even bother following the Flames. There is no pride in the city, the team or the people that work for it.

Many of you here are sitting here preaching from the pulpit of how we need to blow up the team and start over. REALLY?

Hmmm Recent teams that have done this Edmonton, Buffalo, and Toronto.

Edmonton Oilers
Um up highway 2 way we have seen how 10 out of 11 first round picks have been made in the top 10. Including 4 first picks overall. Are the Oilers in any better of a position to win the Stanley Cup today? NO

Buffalo
7 Straight years of drafting in the top ten. Building for just as long as the Flames. Unlike the FLames the Sabres have not made the playoffs little lone have even been considered a contender for a playoff spot.

Toronto

Toronto brought in the best scouts to rebuild this team and their abilities to draft are very apparent with a line-up full of talent starting with Matthews, Marner, Reilly, and Nylander. Then this team brought in the largest free agent signing in a decade by landing John Tavares after the Leafs brought in Fredrick Andersen.

Despite all the talent this team lost to the 'Canes last night with a 42 year old beer league goalie in their net. Do you really think the Leafs are in any better situation than the Flames?


The Bottom line
You guys don't know what the hell your talking about. This team is far from perfect but the depth in the line-up down into and including the minors may be one of the deepest in the league.

Who else has a team that could justify Backlund playing on the 4th line?

Calgary is in the top 3-4 teams in defense composition. Our top 12 compares with anyone and though there are a few hiccups this year how can you write off a line-up that put up 289 goals good for second in the NHL behind Tampa.

This team can win and it can win EVERYTHING this year. The only need I see maybe picking up Mike Hoffman for the first line of Chucky, Backlund and Hoffman. Hoffman fixes the PP, brings a sniper and gives Calgary a one-two punch.

The Flames are CONTENDERS provided the D gets healthy. Flames rule and you trolls drool!

Great job, even Brad trevling wouldn't be able to write such marketing materials..... unfortunately not reality though.

 

[DFF]

Word. This "Sam is a #1C" schtick needs to die, it was mildly amusing a few years ago but give it a rest already. If you put a guy with genuine #1C talent on 3rd line wing, he should be dominating those minutes and forcing his way up after about 15 games, instead of putting up 5 30pts seasons in a row. Bennett is still a useful player and a spark plug, but the emphasis is on the word plug.

Yeah and to add I love Sam Bennett. He can be a flames forever. On a good team, he is a huge asset. Just don't expect him to carry your offense. I am so done with that expectation. That allows me to enjoy him....

 

[JurassicTunga]

@ScrewNHLOfficiating

Damn, your post made me sad. Quick, post something positive about the Flames so I can turn my frown upside down.

 

[OvermanKingGainer]

ROR has been a consistent 60 pt scorer for years. Bennett hasnt even been half that. You could argue maybe after a couple years due to potential but at this point there is no comparison between the two.

Powerplay scoring has a way of skewing perception. Look at the 5v5:

2015-16
Bennett - 27 pts in 972 minutes
ROR - 25 pts in 1068 minutes

2016-17
Bennett - 20 pts in 990 minutes (playing with Troy Brouwer)
ROR - 25 pts in 1090 minutes

2017-18
Bennett - 23 pts in 981 minutes
ROR - 21 pts in 1172 minutes

There's your difference between a 60 point scorer and a non 60 point scorer. Lol.

Even though he got to play with Eichel and Reinhart on the PP and with Reinhart 5v5, ROR struggled to generate much more than Bennett did over the same 3 year span.

Anyone who uses points to evaluate players in completely different situations has no idea what they're talking about.

Serious question, after 5 yrs and who knows how many coaches, Why nobody wants to give Bennett a chance? They cant all colluded against him.

You realize that new coaches don't mean fresh starts, right? Peters just saw how Gulutzan used Bennett in his last year and carried on doing that. He didn't even separate Bennett and Jankowski when that wasn't working UNDER Gulutzan. Ward took over while Bennett was injured and then carried on where Peters left off.

Word. This "Sam is a #1C" schtick needs to die, it was mildly amusing a few years ago but give it a rest already. If you put a guy with genuine #1C talent on 3rd line wing, he should be dominating those minutes and forcing his way up after about 15 games, instead of putting up 5 30pts seasons in a row. Bennett is still a useful player and a spark plug, but the emphasis is on the word plug.

It's not a schtick. It's an honest observation that looks past shitty usage.

As for the rest of your comments, centers don't always play well on the wing, or with crappy linemates. Guys like William Karlsson, Ryan Strome, Dylan Strome, the aformentioned ROR, Mika Zibanejad... these are just a few guys who needed a change in scenery to blow up, not "fifteen games of dominating". Even Kadri saw his production drop hard when he got pushed to the third line and he was ESTABLISHED when Tavares came to the Leafs.

Something I think CFHF doesn't realize is that quality of competition isn't really a thing. It's not easier to score from the third line. It's harder because quality of linemates is far more significant.

 

[OvermanKingGainer]

@ScrewNHLOfficiating

Damn, your post made me sad. Quick, post something positive about the Flames so I can turn my frown upside down.

Okay.

Player	Position	GP	PrimaryPts/60	IPP
Andrew Mangiapane	L	60	1.62	67.65
Elias Lindholm	C	62	1.58	72.22
Johnny Gaudreau	L	62	1.47	72.22
Matthew Tkachuk	L	61	1.42	72.97
Derek Ryan	C	60	1.36	78.57
Sam Bennett	C	44	1.31	64.71
Dillon Dube	C	37	1.26	65
Sean Monahan	C	62	1.12	68.75
Michael Frolik	R	38	1.05	88.89
Mikael Backlund	C	62	0.98	52.63
Mark Jankowski	C	48	0.88	70
Tobias Rieder	C	48	0.83	77.78
Milan Lucic	L	60	0.62	34.48

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

So our seven best forwards 5v5 this season in terms of creating are pretty adequate and all we need is to adjust the ice time accordingly. What's interesting is that Ryan's numbers are probably a bit inflated (his IPP is really high) while Mangiapane, Bennett, and Dube should actually be due for better individual numbers are their IPPs are pretty low (Bennett usually ranges in that 70-75ish range). Now look at Backlund's IPP. It's so unsustainable it's laughable and points to a guy whose impact isn't being seen in his point production (that sure sounds like Backlund, but actually his IPP most years ranges from that 65-70ish range). And then there's Lucic. I don't know what to make of his IPP but I guess it makes sense considering he mostly just stands in front of the net and doesn't really make plays often. Gaudreau's another guy whose IPP is lower than his career trends, usually he's over 78%

In case you're unaware, IPP is basically the percentage of goals scored while you're on the ice, where you as an indivudal are assigned a point.

 

[SKRusty]

Sam has been turning heads over the last couple games so why not shut-up and let him show it. When he proves he is better his role will change and until then be patient. When Sam was drafted I had big expectations like most fans. These expectations put the pressure on Sam to a point he was trying to do too much and he failed. This time enjoy the ride and let him progress and if what you say is accurate it will come out in the end.

It is not the time to anoint him anything until he grows into the role. The Flames pushed Sam too hard too early so let's learn from that error and let him dictate the pace of his ascension.

I have liked what I have seen from Sam in the last 3 games as he has been a beast.

If Sam does indeed claim the #1 center role it will be with Chucky and Lindholm.

 

[JurassicTunga]

Okay.

Player	Position	GP	PrimaryPts/60	IPP
Andrew Mangiapane	L	60	1.62	67.65
Elias Lindholm	C	62	1.58	72.22
Johnny Gaudreau	L	62	1.47	72.22
Matthew Tkachuk	L	61	1.42	72.97
Derek Ryan	C	60	1.36	78.57
Sam Bennett	C	44	1.31	64.71
Dillon Dube	C	37	1.26	65
Sean Monahan	C	62	1.12	68.75
Michael Frolik	R	38	1.05	88.89
Mikael Backlund	C	62	0.98	52.63
Mark Jankowski	C	48	0.88	70
Tobias Rieder	C	48	0.83	77.78
Milan Lucic	L	60	0.62	34.48

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

So our seven best forwards 5v5 this season in terms of creating are pretty adequate and all we need is to adjust the ice time accordingly. What's interesting is that Ryan's numbers are probably a bit inflated (his IPP is really high) while Mangiapane, Bennett, and Dube should actually be due for better individual numbers are their IPPs are pretty low (Bennett usually ranges in that 70-75ish range). Now look at Backlund's IPP. It's so unsustainable it's laughable and points to a guy whose impact isn't being seen in his point production (that sure sounds like Backlund, but actually his IPP most years ranges from that 65-70ish range). And then there's Lucic. I don't know what to make of his IPP but I guess it makes sense considering he mostly just stands in front of the net and doesn't really make plays often. Gaudreau's another guy whose IPP is lower than his career trends, usually he's over 78%

In case you're unaware, IPP is basically the percentage of goals scored while you're on the ice, where you as an indivudal are assigned a point.

Thanks. It worked!
I appreciate your knowledgeable posts for sure.

 

[Mobiandi]

Something I think CFHF doesn't realize is that quality of competition isn't really a thing. It's not easier to score from the third line. It's harder because quality of linemates is far more significant.

Liked for this. Remember Gaudreau on the 3rd line this season?

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Word. This "Sam is a #1C" schtick needs to die, it was mildly amusing a few years ago but give it a rest already. If you put a guy with genuine #1C talent on 3rd line wing, he should be dominating those minutes and forcing his way up after about 15 games, instead of putting up 5 30pts seasons in a row. Bennett is still a useful player and a spark plug, but the emphasis is on the word plug.

The issue with Sam Bennett is that he dominated as a larger kid among kids in Junior. He still doesn't have the core strength or frame to carry that game to the NHL. He's improving though, and at least it's not as bad as Dustin Boyd.

18 year old Sam Bennett played with reckless abandon. 25 year old Sam Bennett will too. Just needs time in the gym and a few cheeseburgers.

 

[JPeeper]

Something I think CFHF doesn't realize is that quality of competition isn't really a thing. It's not easier to score from the third line. It's harder because quality of linemates is far more significant.

If Bennett was actually any good he would do well regardless of his line-mates. Dude is pacing for 22 points. I don't care if you play with beer leaguers, if you're an alleged 1st line center caliber player you f***ing put up more than 12 points in 44 games and you make those around you better. Bennett does none of this.

I was a huge proponent of Bennett, but I've watched this guy for years now, he doesn't have the hockey IQ to be anything more than a 3rd line spark plug who can have a good game here or there. He still does hit stupid 1 on 1 dekes that always fail, he has 4 assists on the year and is one of the worst players for using his line-mates. His shot is no where near good enough to be a top line player either.

If Bennett was actually a 1st line talent, which he isn't, yes it f***ing is easier to score on the third line.

 

[SKRusty]

Liked for this. Remember Gaudreau on the 3rd line this season?

Johnny has yet to produce regularly away from Sean in the last 4 years.

 

[OvermanKingGainer]

The issue with Sam Bennett is that he dominated as a larger kid among kids in Junior.

What are you talking about? Bennett had an extremely thin frame in his draft year and isn't particularily tall. He was basically ryan nugent hopkins in terms of build. He added 10lbs of muscle in his D+1 year alone while he was out with a shoulder injury.

He dominated junior because he was an elite talent. He had no physical advantage in junior other than his strong edgework.

The amount of nonsense people make up.

 

[lightstorm]

If Bennett was actually any good he would do well regardless of his line-mates. Dude is pacing for 22 points. I don't care if you play with beer leaguers, if you're an alleged 1st line center caliber player you f*cking put up more than 12 points in 44 games and you make those around you better. Bennett does none of this.

I was a huge proponent of Bennett, but I've watched this guy for years now, he doesn't have the hockey IQ to be anything more than a 3rd line spark plug who can have a good game here or there. He still does hit stupid 1 on 1 dekes that always fail, he has 4 assists on the year and is one of the worst players for using his line-mates. His shot is no where near good enough to be a top line player either.

If Bennett was actually a 1st line talent, which he isn't, yes it f*cking is easier to score on the third line.

Everyone not named Connor fking McDavid would be having trouble producing if they shifted him to wing and put Jankowski at center and Toby Reider on the other side.

 

[Dack]

Sean Monahan away from Gaudreau this year.
0.96 GF/60
5.25 GA/60
xGF% 39.72
CF% 39.27

Gaudreau away from Monahan
2.18 GF/60
2.26 GA/60
xGF% 47.8
CF% 46.7



Truthfully Gaudreau has been absolutely terrible this year, but the suggestion that Monahan is the one keeping that line afloat is absurd. Away from Gaudreau this season Monahan may has well have been Buddy Robinson because these are AHLer numbers.

 

[DFF]

Sean Monahan away from Gaudreau this year.
0.96 GF/60
5.25 GA/60
xGF% 39.72
CF% 39.27

Gaudreau away from Monahan
2.18 GF/60
2.26 GA/60
xGF% 47.8
CF% 46.7



Truthfully Gaudreau has been absolutely terrible this year, but the suggestion that Monahan is the one keeping that line afloat is absurd. Away from Gaudreau this season Monahan may has well have been Buddy Robinson because these are AHLer numbers.

People picking Monahan over Johnny probably either don't watch the flames or so bias nobody should trust them. Johnny does most of the work on that line. When Monahan gets the puck, he only does 2 things, shoot or hand it off to Johnny and sit back and watch.