Reinforcements for a playoff run or back to junior?

That's the question facing the Calgary Flames after rookie forward Sam Bennett was cleared for contact following shoulder surgery, as reported by Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun.

Bennett - drafted fourth overall by the Flames in 2014 - will likely skate with the team for seven-to-ten days before a decision is made whether he'll stick with the club for the remainder of the season - thereby burning the first year of his entry-level contract - or if he'll be sent back to the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs.

Bennett is also eligible to be sent to the AHL on a conditioning stint, as Bob McKenzie of TSN points out.

Heading into Saturday's action, the Flames hold a two-point lead in the race for a wild card spot, a position few envisioned this late in the season.

The 18-year-old recorded 91 points in 57 games for Kingston last season.