Big day for the 2014 draft class.
Shortly after Pittsburgh brought over its first-rounder -- 22nd overall pick Kasperi Kapanen -- from his club team in Finland, Sportsnet is reporting that Sam Bennett, the OHL Kingston center Calgary took fourth overall, will join the team’s AHL affiliate in Adirondack.
Bennett, 18, has experienced an unusual campaign. He was with the Flames in training camp before undergoing major shoulder surgery; he returned to practice with the NHL club in February and, upon being medically cleared to resume playing, was dispatched to Kingston rather than stick at the NHL or AHL level.
Bennett then proceeded to tear up the OHL -- scoring 11 goals and 24 points in 11 games -- but could only muster three points in the playoffs as Kingston was swept in the opening round.
Flames GM Brad Treliving has stated on numerous occasions the club wouldn’t rush Bennett’s progression, so it’s unlikely he’ll be up with Calgary for its late-season playoff push. That said, Sportsnet’s John Shannon did suggest the original plan was to have Bennett join the Flames in Edmonton prior to tomorrow’s game against the Oilers... so it’s definitely a situation worth monitoring moving forward.