Bennett has underachieved since being taken with the 20th overall pick in the 2010 draft by the Penguins, but has some post-hype sleeper potential in St. Louis after flopping in both Pittsburgh and New Jersey. He’s no guarantee to even win a bottom-six role with the Blues, though last season’s career bests of eight goals and 19 points shouldn't be hard to top if he can stay in the lineup consistently. While he'll be motivated in what could be his last chance to stick at the NHL level, Bennett will remain a fantasy afterthought unless he can channel his potential into actual production.
Bennett managed 14 points in 26 games as a rookie in 2012-13 thanks to a fluky 11 assists, but that number still stands as his career high. Even though he played in just one playoff game during Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup run, the Devils still gave up a third-round pick for his rights on draft day. General manager Ray Shero clearly likes Bennett’s upside, considering he also drafted him back in 2010 with the Penguins, but the 24-year-old winger hasn’t made good on it up to this point. He’s almost guaranteed a spot with the big club due to the high price paid to acquire him, though.
Bennett, a 2010 first-round draft pick, has played in a total of 47 games (with 21 points) the last two seasons due to wrist injuries. Not surprisingly, he again underwent hand/wrist surgery following the Penguins' dismissal from the playoffs in the spring. While he's expected to be ready for training camp, the persistent wrist issues give him an added level of risk in fantasy. Pittsburgh wants him to take a top-six spot, as there's little depth or competition on the roster, but he just can't stay healthy. Bennett projects as more of a setup man than as a sniper, making him a better fit with Evgeni Malkin than Sidney Crosby at even-strength. The upside he offers makes him an intriguing fantasy pick, though it would be unwise to pencil him in for a certain number of points, given his injury history.
Bennett made a surprisingly seamless transition to the NHL in 2012-13 putting up three goals and 14 points in 26 contests despite only have played 39 AHL games. The California native had missed much of the previous campaign with a wrist injury that ad sapped much of the power from his slap shot. Coach Dan Bylsma said in the offseason that Bennett would see time with Evgeni Malkin and James Neal, but he would also play on the third line. The Penguins coach added that he envisions putting the No. 1 draft pick on the top power-play unit -- something that would further boost his fantasy value. Bennett is Pittsburgh's top offensive prospect and probably has more untapped talent than any of the team's top-nine forwards.
The first native Californian chosen in the first round of the draft turned pro in the summer after two collegiate seasons with the University of Denver. Bennett missed most of 2011-12 with a wrist injury and is still not yet 100 percent. Penguins coach, Dan Bylsma, mentioned him as a possible linemate for Sidney Crosby this year, but that was before Bennett looked ordinary in the team's rookie camp scrimmage and then said he wasn't yet healthy. Nevertheless, Bennett makes for a good pick in keeper leagues as he'll likely get a chance to show off his soft hands alongside Crosby. Bennett is expected to begin the 2012-13 season with AHL Wilkes-Barre.
Bennett, who will return to the University of Denver for a second season, looks to use an added 15 pounds of muscle for an improved sophomore campaign. The 2010 first-round pick, who collected nine goals and 25 points in 37 games, finished just eighth in scoring on his own team. The California native played well during the Penguin's prospect camp in the summer. He could turn pro with a strong showing for Denver in 2011-12. Just 19, Bennett has plenty of room for growth and is one of Pittsburgh's top prospects.
Bennett, the Pens 2010 No. 1 draft pick, will hone his offensive skills for Denver University in the upcoming season. After signing with Pittsburgh, Bennett impressed onlookers with six assists in four games at the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation camp in the summer. He makes for an interesting keeper fantasy pick, but keep in mind he won't likely play in the NHL for a few years.
