Sam Bennett Out With Shoulder Injury

The NHL preseason has claimed another victim, another top pick from 2014 is going to be on the shelf for the next little after the Calgary Flames announced Sam Bennett needed shoulder surgery. Bennett will likely undergo surgery on his injured shoulder in the next week and will begin the season with the Flames on injured reserve.

During last season Sam Bennett reportedly had issues with his shoulder, knee cap and wrist, injuries that kept the top prospect out of the CHL’s top prospect game. As training camp ended, the Flames decided the shoulder surgery was a little more series and one that should be looked at before the 18 year-old gets bigger and stronger.

"“This issue he’s had with his shoulder, in my opinion, has been there for a while. He’s been pushing through this for some time” ~ Flames GM Brad Treliving"

There was some strong debate regarding whether or not the Flames would keep the 4th overall pick from the 2014 draft on the roster this season or send him back to juniors. There was much concern over how small the 6 foot 1 and 185 forward was and whether he was mature enough for the NHL right now.

While surgery isn’t imminent it’s the most likely option for the young prospect who scored 35 goals with the Kingston Frontenacs. With Bennett himself noting his shoulder had been bothering him for awhile, it’s best for the Flames and Bennett to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

In addition to Bennett’s nagging shoulder, he was also hampered this preseason with a groin injury that affected his skating. Between the toll his shoulder took on his face-offs and the groin injury, he didn’t look overly impressive in his first NHL preseason. But the fact he was willing to grit his teeth and battle through the pain has impressed the Flames GM.

"“he wasn’t going to say a word. That just shows how focused he was on making this team.” ~ Treliving"

Bennett had two assists in his preseason appearances but his NHL debut will have to wait after being placed on the injured non-roster list.

I want to be playing, that was my goal this year. Ultimately, I think this is going to be the best for my career. ~Sam Bennett

The issue around his shoulder could be the answer for why he was unable to do a single pull-up during the NHL combine last season. With a nagging shoulder injury limiting his strength, pull-ups must have been pretty tough for Bennett.

Should Sam Bennett indeed need surgery to fix his shoulder he will miss out on a lot this season including another chance to play for team Canada at the World Juniors. A season off could put his development behind the eight-ball for the next couple of seasons. When Ryan Nugent-Hopkins returned from his shoulder surgery he was not the same play he once appeared to be on the ice.

When you have yet to crack the NHL in the first place and are taking time off due to injury it can be pretty tough to get back up to pace at the NHL level. If all things work out for Sam Bennett, he won’t need surgery and will be back on the ice in no time.