Calgary Flames C Sam Bennett says all systems are go for first full NHL season
Sam Bennett has won a couple of numbers games.
The Calgary Flames’ up-and-comer has joined the collection of teammates in the city for the informal skates and has No. 93 written on his helmet, his new Flames number, having changed from the No. 63 he wore last season.
“It’s pretty cool,” Bennett said after Tuesday’s session at the WinSport Canada facility at Canada Olympic Park. “I’ve been wanting to have my number for a while, so it’s nice to have my number again.”
Bennett wore No. 93 while with the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs as well as his last few minor hockey seasons.
The other number Bennett is happy about is the one he sees when stepping on the scale. The 2014 fourth overall draft pick returned to the Stampede City having put on “a good eight to 10 pounds” and above the 190-lb. mark.
“I feel good,” said the teen, who noticeably beefed up over the last year. “I had a really good summer of solid training, no problems at all. It’s nice to get a full summer of training.”
While all the fuss about an NHL rookie in Alberta will be over Edmonton Oilers hotshot Connor McDavid, the Flames are excited to see what Bennett achieves in his first full pro season.
Sure, Bennett used up a year of his contract by playing a dozen big-league games last spring, including all 11 Stanley Cup playoff outings in which he netted three goals, but he’s still eligible for the Calder Memorial Trophy for top freshman.
You bet he’s looking forward to a full year in the bigs, not to mention having a 100% healthy shoulder, which was found on the eve of the 2014-15 campaign to require surgery.
“It’s an exciting time. I’ve been looking forward to getting the season going since we ended in the playoffs last year. I’m excited to get going again and it’s right around the corner,” said Bennett, who’ll headline Calgary’s squad for the coming Young Stars Classic prospects tournament which starts this weekend in Penticton, B.C.
In Penticton, watch for Bennett to spend his time in the middle. He’s naturally a centre, but Flames head coach Bob Hartley skated Bennett at left wing on a line with Mikael Backlund and Joe Colborne for much of the playoffs in part to take advantage of his skill but also make it a bit easier of a jump to the pro ranks.
Hartley, however, said the plan for the coming season is to have Bennett at centre. The skater said he hadn’t talked to the coach about it, but said he’s happy to play where he’s told.
“I definitely do feel comfortable at centre, it’s where I’ve played most of my life, but I’m able to play any position,” Bennett said. “I showed that in the playoffs and I’ll be happy to play anywhere.”
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