Apparently Beau Bennett will not cut it on the NHL level. A revelation not revealed by a lack of talent and underwhelming athleticism. Instead, the fact was revealed by a new mock draft that claimed the Penguins are still looking for a Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin wing.
Bennett is skilled enough to post 40 or more goals skating along side Sidney Crosby. Unfortunately, he is still three years away from making the Penguins club. James Neal is also a consideration. He will be a restricted free-agent next year, but his style fits perfectly with Malkin’s (more so than Crosby’s). Do not forget about Eric Tangradi either. The 22-year-old is a younger, more skilled version of Ryan Malone–the winger that Geno had the most success playing with. Still, can another skilled winger hurt? Crosby is not going anywhere. Finding a bona fide scorer to skate with him will be an important task for the next 10 years.
Check out my articles highlighting Simon Despres and Bennett from the past two drafts: 2009 (Despres) 2010 (Bennett)