Sam Bennett might be drafted first overall in this year’s NHL entry draft, but whoever is looking to draft him needs to have a top-flight training program because this is just a little unbelievable to say the least.
According to Stephen Whyno, of The Canadian Press; Bennett wasn’t able to complete one, single, solitary pull-up at the NHL combine yesterday. Not one.
Bennett addressed his performance speaking with the media:
“I was definitely disappointed with myself,” he said. “I was wanting to do the best I can in every test. But, I guess, ultimately games aren’t won or lost if you can do a pull-up in the gym.”
NHL central scouting director, Dan Marr, assured the public that although embarrassing, the 17-year old shouldn’t be judged solely on his upper body strength at this point in his amatuer career:
“The fact that he can play the game the way he plays the game, I think the teams feel that he’s a pretty complete package,” Marr said. “This is what the whole combine’s about: The team that’s going to get Sam Bennett knows what work lies ahead and they’ll be able to put him on the proper path for development.”
No, Bennett’s draft stock isn’t expected to change, but, one can’t help but wonder why a 17-soon to be 18 year old top tier athlete isn’t able to do one, literally ONE pull-up.