2006-07: After a passable rookie season with the Bulls in which he accounted for 12 points, he exploded this year posting totals of 15 goals and 41 assists in 68 games.

2007-08: A talented defenseman, Subban had an impressive season, racking up 46 points (8+38) in 58 games with the Belleville Bulls (OHL). In 21 playoff games, he recorded 23 points (8+15) and finished with a +7 rating. He represented Team Canada in the World Junior tournament, but was held pointless in seven contests.

The young blueliner's offensive abilities are well documented, but to progress within the organization's ranks he needs to continue to refine his play within his own end. Last season he showed a willingness to improve in that regard and he has all the tools to be a solid contributor to the club's organization.  

The immediate future should see Subban dominate at the OHL level and play a key role on Team Canada's World Junior Championship entry in 2008-09. That said, Subban's overall game remains raw and he will have a few years ahead of him to continue to improve that aspect of his game. With a solid roster of blueliners in the organization ahead of him on the depth chart, Subban will have a few years to work on developing an all-around game that matches with his solid offensive play (and premium media talents).

 

 

History

 

2006-07: Benn spent the season playing for the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies.  Benn scored 42 goals and 23 assists in 53 games.  Nearly half of his goals (19) came on the powerplay.

2007-08: Had a good start to his WHL career for Kelowna.  Before an ankle injury in January, Benn was just coming off a 10-game point-scoring streak that yielded 10 goals and 25 points.  He scored in all seven of the Rockets playoff games.  He led all WHL rookies in goals (14th amongst all players) despite missing more than 20 games.  No one in the top 75 in WHL goals played fewer games than Benn.  The Stars signed him to his entry-level contract in July of 2008.

 

Talent Analysis

Benn is a pure sniper with both good shooting abilities and dekes in close.  He showed consistent and rapid improvement over the course of the 2006-07 season.  He has an uncanny knack for finding loose pucks, finding the space to make himself available for a pass and being in the right spot to bury rebounds.  His skating is average at best.  At 6’2, 185 lbs he doesn’t use his size particularly well and he’s not an overly physical force.  He is extremely effective when he has the time to set up and shoot or on odd-man rushes.  His defensive play is limited and will need improvement.