Bennett happy with role under Sutter: I've been in 'better mindset'

Months after demanding a trade from the Calgary Flames, forward Sam Bennett is enjoying his role with the team under new head coach Darryl Sutter.

"I'm happy playing under Darryl," Bennett said, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis. "I think I've gotten more opportunity and I've been able to play my game a little bit more.

"I want to have a big role and important role to help this team win. When I'm playing more I'm playing better and can help the team have success. It definitely makes it fun and makes me enjoy coming to the rink when I have a big role. I've definitely been in a better mindset."

The 24-year-old made it known through agent Darren Ferris earlier this season that he wanted to be traded to a team for which he could play a bigger role. He's largely played in the Flames' bottom six this season.

Sutter - whom the Flames hired in early March after firing Geoff Ward - praised Bennett. He sees him as a versatile player who can be plugged in throughout the lineup.

"I've been happy with Sam," Sutter said. "I think he's played all three positions for us. I've been able to get him into some penalty-killing situations, which I think he could thrive in going forward. Taking faceoffs for us. He's played hurt and he's played with some pace to his game."

In 22 games under Ward this season, Bennett managed four points while averaging 13:13 minutes of ice time per game. In 15 games with Sutter on the bench, he's recorded one goal and five assists while playing 13:52 per contest.