2010 first round pick Beau Bennett turns pro

Coming into this season, the plan was for 2010 first round pick Beau Bennett to turn pro and despite appearing in just 10 games in his sophomore season, those plans didn’t get derailed.

Bennett the Penguins top forward prospect, officially turned pro today agreeing to a three year entry level deal. The deal begins in the 2012-2013 season and runs through the 2014-2015 season.

The 6-foot-1, 190 pound Bennett struggled to stay healthy in college, dealing with a wrist injury that limited him to 10 games this season and he dealt with a knee injury for a short time last year. As a sophomore, Bennett tallied four goals, nine assists and 13 points through 10 games.

As a freshman last season, Bennett notched nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points in 37 games. Bennett closed the season strong with a six-game assist/point streak from March 4-19 (2011).

Strengths/Weaknesses: *Has great hands and playmaking ability

*A creative player who with excellent vision who uses his linemates really well and looks to get everyone on the ice involved

*While he’s a great playmaker, Bennett has a quick release and gets himself open and to the right areas which has scouts very intrigued about his goal scoring potential.

*Can pick corners extremely well and is impressive with his ability to keep his head up when shooting which is a knock on younger players

*Has the skill set where he has that “wow” factor in 1-on-1 plays but from a negative standpoint, gets caught too many times trying to make the fancy 1-on-1 play that won’t work at the NHL level.

*Lacks consistency in tight physical games and scouts contend he can be taken out of a game easily, especially in physical situations. That will be the area watch next season in his first professional season.