Flames’ Sam Bennett looking for change of scenery

© Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports In the second season of a two-year, $2.55 million contract, Sam Bennett is scheduled to become a restricted free agent after this season.

The Calgary Flames, who are off to a shaky start this season with just two wins in their first five games, now may have a brewing controversy as well. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Sam Bennett’s agent Darren Ferris would like Calgary to consider a change of scenery for his client, although the term “trade request” was not actually used. Friedman notes that Calgary is in no rush to move the young forward.

Bennett, 24, was selected with the fourth overall pick in 2014 but never really became the top-six center the Flames hoped for, instead settling into a third- (or even sometimes fourth) line role. Last season he scored just eight goals and 12 points in 52 games and he still hasn’t found the back of the net this season. He’s been overtaken by other young forwards in the Flames lineup, likely meaning he won’t ever get much more responsibility than he is right now.

In the second season of a two-year, $2.55 million contract, Bennett is scheduled to become a restricted free agent after this season. His poor offensive performance will limit what he can demand in arbitration, but there is one thing that would be in his favor in negotiations.

While Bennett’s regular seasons have been underwhelming or downright dreadful, he always seems to be one of the Flames’ best players in the playoffs. Last summer, Bennett had five goals and eight points in 10 playoff games, leading the Flames in both categories. That performance — plus the willingness to engage physically and ability to play center — will certainly draw interest, although it does seem like it would be difficult for the Flames to really get a lot of value for the soon-to-be restricted free agent.

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