2014 NHL Draft Watch: Sam Bennett

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

In anticipation of the Sharks’ 2014 NHL Draft selection, we will be highlighting the top 30 prospects over the next few weeks.

Name: Sam Bennett

Position: Left Wing/Center

Handedness: Left

Current Team: Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Jersey Number: 93

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 181 lbs.

Birthdate: 6/20/1996

Hometown: Holland Landing, Ontario, Canada

Sam Bennett is the main attraction for the Kingston Frontenacs this season. Though tied for the team lead in points with linemate Henri Ikonen (Tampa Bay Lightning prospect), Bennett is touted as a much more exciting player. In the 2013-2014 season, he leads the team in goals with 17 and he has added 24 assists for a total of 41 points. He has also been a plus-11 on the season and 3 of his goals have come on the powerplay. He currently centers the Frontenacs’ top line and plays in all situations:

"I’m a two-way forward who looks after his own end first and I like to throw the body around, but I can score goals too."

Kingston teammate and fellow 2014 NHL draft prospect Roland McKeown had high praise for the dynamic scorer as well:

"You guys are going to be impressed with his sniping abilities. He’s a great player."

Elite Hockey Prospects said this about the forward:

"Bennett is an energetic, skilled winger who is quick on his feet and has deceptive speed. He generates chances with his quickness, awareness and constant effort. He’s not flashy, but energetic and does possess an excellent release."

Bennett has proven over the last year what makes him such a desirable candidate to be selected in the top 5 of the upcoming draft. He was an assistant captain for the Canada U18 team at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Tournament and helped them to win a gold medal, tallying 3 goals and 1 assist. With leadership abilities, equal offensive and defensive expertise, and a knack for scoring goals, it will be a shock not to see Bennett selected within the top 5 on the draft board in June.