Calgary Flames

Sam Bennett Trade Now Unlikely, Player Happy Under Flames New Coach

Don’t expect Sam Bennett to be traded before the deadline. The player has found new life under Flames head coach Darryl Sutter.

by
NHL Trade Talk
April 9, 2021

It wasn’t long ago that Sam Bennett was the most likely name to be traded out of Calgary. He have voiced his displeasure through his agent and under former coach Geoff Ward, it looked like things weren’t improving, his playing time was down and the two sides might simply be better off moving on. Ward was then fired, Darryl Sutter hired and Bennett’s found a bit of a new passion for being a Flame.

As the NHL Trade Deadline quickly approaches here on Monday, the Flames are likely sellers. There season has fallen apart on them and sit well outside the top four in the North Division. Names like Derek Ryan, David Rittich, and Bennett’s are among those that could garner interest from other teams. That said, Bennett is no longer looking to move on.

“I’m happy playing under Darryl,” said Bennett to media earlier this week. “I think I’ve gotten more opportunity and I’ve been able to play my game a little bit more.” When outright asked if his mind has changed about a trade and if he wants to stay put, he said, “Ya, absolutely.” He added:

“I want to have a big role and important role to help this team win. When I’m playing more I’m playing better and can help the team have success. It definitely makes it fun and makes me enjoy coming to the rink when I have a big role. I’ve definitely been in a better mindset.”

Coach Sutter Likes Bennett’s Game

The head coach isn’t looking to have Bennett go anywhere either. Sutter is a big fan of Bennett’s play and said he’s happy with the forward. He noted, “I think he’s played all three positions for us. I’ve been able to get him into some penalty killing situations, which I think he could thrive in going forward. Taking faceoffs for us. He’s played hurt and he’s played with some pace to his game.”

GM Brad Treliving did say at the time Sutter was hired that this would be a fresh start for everyone. While the team hasn’t responded and worked themselves into a playoff spot, the silver lining for the Flames is that Bennett has. He’s got four points in the last five games.