Flames decide Sam Bennett needs to 'sit and watch a game'

Sam Bennett is going to be a spectator for at least one game.

Calgary Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan has decided to scratch the young forward from Thursday's game against Nashville, saying Bennett's game isn't where the club needs it to be at this point in the season.

Being scratched, however, is part of the growing process, Gulutzan explained.

"He's 20 years old. Sometimes guys just need a break to sit and watch the game and they come back a lot better," Gulutzan explained, per Torie Peterson on the team's official website. "We've been working with Sam the last three, four weeks, trying to get his game back in order. Sometimes it's good for a young guy - a 20-year-old - to sit and watch a game, get a little bit of a break."

Bennett, who was drafted fourth overall by the Flames in 2014, has recorded nine goals and nine assists in 47 games this season.

Matt Stajan will take his place on a line with Johnny Gaudreau and Alex Chiasson.