Anyone who’s read PenguinPoop for any length of time knows there are certain players I’ve always coveted.
For example, I’ve long held Blackhawks captain and power forward Nick Foligno in the highest esteem. Warrior, leader, solid producer, especially in his prime. Quick to defend a teammate.
The same goes for rugged Devils defender Brenden Dillon. Heck, I would gladly have taken a flyer on the Canadiens’ Josh Anderson, a speedy, 227-pound Mack Truck of a forward long rumored to be on the trading block.
If you’ve noticed these guys are all cut from the same bristling bolt of cloth, you’re right. During Mike Sullivan’s coaching tenure, hoping our Penguins would land a genuinely physical player was akin to being a kid at Christmas-time with your nose pressed against the department store display window, gazing forlornly at the train set you knew your parents couldn’t afford.
But now? With Sully gone?
Here’s hoping the restrictions dissolve. Like, yesterday.
You see, there’s another player I’ve longed for above all others. What’s more, he’s going to be a UFA this summer.
Sam Bennett.
I’ve beseeched the Pens to make a play for the bristling power forward twice before, both times when he was languishing during his previous stop in Calgary. The last time, shortly before the Panthers acquired the Ontario native from the Flames at the 2021 trade deadline for a second-round pick.
The reason for my ardor is simple. Bennett plays a fast, slam-bang, north-south game. Mean as a rattlesnake, full-tilt on the forecheck, he takes the shortest distance to the puck (and foes) and, more often than not, arrives in ill-humor to coin an old Broad Street Bullies mantra.
If you happen to be in his path?
More’s the pity.
In short, Bennett’s very much the type of player who thrives in the postseason when the intensity gets ratcheted up, to the tune of 30 goals in 93 career playoff games. His nickname, well-earned, says it all.
“Playoff Sam.”
A natural center who can play on the wing and often does, the rugged 6’1” 194-pounder is no slouch during the regular season, either. Since joining the Panthers, he’s tallied 95 goals and 196 points in 289 games, an average of 27 goals and 56 points over an 82-game slate.
Given his aggressive style, it’s no surprise he’s a play-driver as well, with strong advanced metrics.
His only warts? With a career mark of 47 percent on draws (worse with the Panthers) faceoffs are a weakness. Sam’s a bit injury prone, too, kind of along the lines of Bryan Rust. His defensive play (minus-15 this season) seemed to take a hit as well. But all other aspects of his game earn a vigorous thumbs-up.
Would it be prudent for Kyle Dubas to pursue Bennett if he doesn’t re-sign with Florida? With Evgeni Malkin winding down and entering his final season, we’re going to need a second-line center. I close my eyes and picture Bennett meshing beautifully with resident buzz-saw Rust to form the hub of a fast, high-pressure combo, perhaps with Rutger McGroarty on the left flank.
Bennett’s no spring chicken…he’ll be 29 soon…and his hell-for-leather style will eventually take a toll, so signing him, especially long-term, could back-fire down the road. It’s a measured risk I’d be willing to take.
Another potential drawback? Sam will no doubt be a piping-hot commodity should he hit the open market this summer, one who surely won’t be lacking for potential suitors. He’ll likely be due for a significant pay hike over his present modest AAV of $4.43 million. Then there’s the not-so-small matter of whether he’d even consider joining a retooling/rebuilding team like our Pens, an opportunity to play with Sidney Crosby aside.
However, if the stars align and Bennett were to sign here, he could serve…literally…as a pile-driving and most welcome force behind the team’s eventual turnaround.
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My biggest pet peeve with our Penguins is now in the rear-view mirror. Therefore, I am becoming a bit optimistic again. However, I still have some annoyances. One of them concerns a name you invoked Rick, invoked but not really profanely (this time) but you have on more than one occasion over the years like many other Penguins’ fans unjustly wish out of town.
As you and other friends of Sam Bennett drool over the thought of getting Sam Bennett, take a good look at the last three year comparison of Bennett to one of the Penguins’ fans favorite whipping boys Evgeni Malkin
Since 2022-2023
Even at his age, Malkin has been more durable 232 GP to Bennett’s 208
Malkin has a slight edge in G/60 (5-on-5), 0.81 to Bennett’s 0.78
Malkin has a significant edge in A/60 (5-on-5), 1.27 to Bennett’s 0.99
As well as in primary A/60 (5-on-5), 0.9 to Bennett’s 0.63
Therefore, in Pts/60 (5-on-5) as well 2.08 to Bennett’s 1.77
S% (5-on-5) 12.26 to Bennett’s 8.33
At 10 years Bennett’s senior, Malkin’s numbers are more in line with a second line Center’s than Bennett’s
Bennett does have higher numbers in PIM/60 (5-on-5) and Hits/60 (5-on-5) and lower numbers in Gv (5-on-5) but when Hits and PIM are more of a bottom 6, than a top 6 marker and even though Bennett’s Gv/60 (5-on-5) is lower (2.20 to 3.29) his Gv/Tk ratio is much worse 102/83 vs Malkin’s 179/184. Geno steals more pucks than he gives away. Sam gives away more pucks than he steals.
All-in-all go ahead and covet Bennett (I wouldn't mind seeing him in the black and gold either), but get over the Geno bashing!
FYI: here's the link address to the last article I wrote about Geno, "What Do Evgeni Malkin and Rodney Dangerfield Have in Common?"
https://penguinpoop.com/2024/penguins-update-what-do-evgeni-malkin-and-rodney-dangerfield-have-in-common/
Rick
Didn't see this initially, must have been trying to finish off my last post when you posted this.
First, I want to remind you what I wrote in my original reply and my response to your first response, " not really profanely (this time)" And yes, Rick I remember your recent Dangerfield article but that is one article and it is anomalous. Your normal articles and in person discussions are less than complimentary towards Geno.
More importantly, my intent was simply to show that it will not be as easy as many, many people think to replace Malkin.
Wow, Other Rick, not really sure what I wrote to provoke your impassioned response.
All I said was, "With Evgeni Malkin winding down and entering his final season, we’re going to need a second-line center." I was pretty much stating fact, certainly with no malice intended.
The Penguins are going to need a second-line center and Bennett might be available. While it isn't necessarily my intent to squeeze Geno out the picture, you do need to strike while the iron's hot.
In terms of my consistent Geno bashing? I won't say I've never criticized him when merited...he's certainly gone into his share of funks throughout his career. But I don't think you can accuse me of trying to run him out of town on a rail.
To the contrary, I think I've been especially sensitive to the fact that he's aging and, particularly the past couple of seasons, hasn't necessarily gotten the pick of the litter when it comes to linemates. I will mention, however, that during that time frame, neither Rakell or Rust have been productive beside him, compared to how they've produced with Sid.
I've always maintained that when Geno was at his best, he had a top gear or level to his game that few have ever attained, including Sid. Even now, in his late 30s and on bad knees, you'll see flashes of that brilliance. During his MVP season of 2011-12 he was an absolute monster. He attained similar levels in '17-18 and '19-20.
Where Sid's always been rock-rib consistent, there's always been a greater degree of volatility in Geno's game, good and bad, something I've noted from time to time. I certainly don't apologize for doing so.
None of this is meant to detract from the fact that he's been a fabulous player and, in many ways, the perfect complement to Sid. If he played for another team, he might very well be the most celebrated player in franchise history.
Rick
Rick,
Rick, as I noted that you were not really slamming Malkin. It is just that your assertion that Bennett would more than amply succeed Geno. That assertion caused me to compare the 2 players over the last 3 seasons, particularly with regards to many fans constantly whining about Malkin and mooning over Bennett. I wanted to just get a glimpse of what the future would be like sans #71 - and it would appear that although the team, would get tougher, it may not get better.
Perhaps, this coming season with Malkin still anchoring the second line and Bennett centering the 3ed as Mike suggests below would provide a boon, or Bennett playing LW for Geno could work too. Personally, as I said, I would not mind seeing Bennett in Pgh and the way I would want to see him utilized is the 3rd Line Center leading and teaching a couple of kids what it means to play big-boy hockey.
Having said that, I still wouldn't throw tons of money around. With Bennett being 10 years younger than Malkin yet already putting up lower numbers than Geno, I certainly wouldn't pay him more for longer term than Malkin.
I may instead look for a younger version of Bennett than the aging incarnation.
Hey Other Rick.
I guess I misread your tone (far be it from me...lol). Sorry.
Regarding Bennett, I hear ya. His age and robust style of play do make him a risk for early flameout. Of course it's pretty much one man's fantasy (mine) that he'd elect to come here...or that we'd make a serious play for him.
I guess it's just that he represents the type of player we've lacked for so long. As an organization, if you have any designs at all of challenging for a Cup someday, aggression and compete-level are such important (and in these parts, often-overlooked) attributes.
Bennett, of course, embodies them to the nines.
Rick
PS--Re: younger version of Bennett. That's why I'd be interested in drafting Brady Martin were he available.
PSS--I am encouraged by the fact that Dubas drafted Matthew Knies in Toronto. He's emerged as a stud power forward.
Rick
Yeeeesssssss!! A perfect fit—exactly what the team needs. Bennett still has three or four solid years ahead of him and turns 29 in late June. He’d be an ideal third-line center: skilled, gritty, and reliable. If Dubas can make this happen, it would be a major win.