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Flames top pick Sam Bennett might need shoulder surgery, which would cost him the world junior championship
There is little other way to look at Sam Bennett's situation, other than as the downside of the pressure on prospects to impress.
The Calgary Flames seem likely to shut down their No. 4 overall pick in order for Bennett to have shoulder surgery, which would prevent him from being able to "skate for Team Canada at the world junior tourney" in December and early January. It was evident during the Ontario Hockey League playoffs that Bennett was playing hurt for the Kingston Frontenacs and wasn't at full capacity. It was known at the time that the crafty centre had a groin injury, which was why he sat out the world under-18 championship, but now he has been shut down due to a second ailment, the shoulder.
It's pretty easy to frame Bennett's quotes — "I wanted to play. I'd do anything to make the team and to play in the NHL this year" — within a cautionary tale. Going directly to the league isn't the be-all, but one can't fault a player for wanting it.
From Wes Gilbertson:
Bennett said surgery may be the best thing.
“I think, ultimately,this is going to be best for my career. After, I'll be that much more confident, that much stronger," he said.
Asked why he didn't speak up about the injury, Bennett replied: “I wanted to play. I'd do anything to make the team and to play in the NHL this year.
“I didn't think it was that big of a deal. I guess it's a bigger deal than I thought.” (Calgary Sun)
From the Flames' perspective, it's a "speed bump." From a junior hockey vantage point, the recovery time from shoulder surgery (usually a few months at best) means Team Canada will be deprived of someone who can play on a scoring line and also have potential chemistry with Connor McDavid, whom Bennett played with in minor hockey.
It obviously affects the outlook for the Frontenacs, who have started 2-2-0-0 in the Eastern Conference after being cast as a contender. Kingston appears to be tighter defensively under rookie coach Paul McFarland, but without Bennett, lacks a definitive No. 1 centre who can be that rising tide which raises all boats. How they react to knowing for certain that Bennett may be gone for half the season, if indeed he comes back at all, will be worth watching. Sometimes teams defy the worst-case scenarios.
Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet.
