Flames forward Bennett to miss 4-6 months

Calgary Flames forward Sam Bennett needs shoulder surgery and will miss 4-6 months, the Flames announced Thursday.

The Flames said Bennett, the fourth pick of the 2014 NHL Draft, will have the operation next week.

On Tuesday, Bennett said his shoulder issues date to last season. He had been playing through pain in a quest to make the Flames roster.

"I guess, really, I wanted to play and I'd do anything to make the team and to play in the NHL this year," Bennett said Tuesday. "I guess maybe I should've come up sooner but I didn't think it was that big of deal. I guess it is a bit bigger of a deal than I thought.

"Obviously I want to be playing [in the NHL]. That was my goal this year. I think ultimately this is going to be the best for my career. I think after I get this all healed up I'll just be that much more confident and that much more stronger when I do get a chance to play."

Bennett, No. 8 on the NHL.com Top 60 prospect ranking, had two assists in three preseason games. He also missed time during the preseason with a groin injury.

Flames general manager Brad Treliving said Tuesday that he didn't expect Bennett's shoulder issues to be a long-term issue.

"Ultimately this is just a speed bump," he said Tuesday. "[Bennett] is going to be a very good young player and I think these things happen. It's not a major setback and he'll be up and going again."