The Calgary Flames have recalled 2014 first-round pick Sam Bennett from the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League.
With Bennett’s OHL club knocked out of the playoffs, the Flames elected to bolster their lineup with some youthful skill in an effort to secure a post-season berth.
Bennett was selected fourth overall by the Flames last June. The 18-year-old underwent shoulder surgery in October and was limited to just 11 regular season games with Kingston.
Bennett totalled 11 goals and 24 points with the Frontenacs in 2014-15.
The Flames currently sit one point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings for third place in the Pacific Division. The Kings and Winnipeg Jets each have 90 points in a tight race for the Western Conference’s second wild card spot, and they each have a game in hand on the Flames.
The Flames run the risk of burning a year of Bennett’s entry-level contract in the event he plays 10 games (playoffs included). Clearly, it’s a risk the Flames are comfortable taking with the post-season in sight.
