Prospect Profile: Beau Bennett
NHLHS writer Erika Zimmerman profiles the Pittsburgh Penguins first round draft selection from the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Beau Bennett.
Building on his recent tendency to draft quality American’s high in the draft (Ben Hanowski (2009, 2nd round, 63 overall), Alex Goligoski (2004, 2nd round, 61 overall) both Americans), Ray Shero’s first round draft pick was California native Beau Bennett.
The 6’1″, 173lb right wing tore up the British Columbia Hockey League last season with 120 points (41G-79A) in only 56 games on his way to being the first BCHL rookie in 7 years to top 100 points. He has committed to the University of Denver.
He has played for the LA Jr. Kings, scoring 58 points (25 goals, 33 assists) in 46 games and has 3 goals, and an assist in 5 games in last year’s World Junior ‘A’ Challenge, as his USA captured gold.
Scouting reports praise Bennett as a “Deceptive skater with good top speed, a long stride and lateral quickness that makes him very slippery.” He “can score in a variety of ways, has a big 1-timer and very quick release with laser accuracy on his wrister.” The same scouting reports lament his lack of physicality and strength. The same concerns were voiced about 2007’s first overall pick Patrick Kane.
He has grown into the game and gained strength and is working towards physicality. Assuming Bennett bulks up and does what the organization ask of him, he will turn into a Kane-like player.
Erika Zimmerman
NHLHS Writer
ezimmerman@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @hattrickkane
