SupremeTeam16
5-14-6-1
So no Oilers games going on and not much to comment on.
I don't watch Bakersfield at all but looking at Benson its concerning to me that he has only 8 goals this season, and has only scored goals in 4 of the 39GP thus far. When he scores(rare) it seems in bunches but scoring in 1/10 games at the AHL strikes me as problematic. Additionally no goals in his last 8 and counting games.
When I last joined the fray about Benson people were telling me the goal scoring problem was something Benson was solving, he was finding ways to score, and he was starting to come on in that regard.
How much is this looking like a fallback season for Benson. All his totals pale in comparison to even his rookie season when he didn't score often either.
I raise this because the Oilers have some of the best passers in the NHL. They don't need a ton more of those. Some guys that could pot some goals would be helpful. Is Benson snakebit again or is there just not much here as far as goal scoring acumen?
Tyler Benson has 1G in his last 15GP. In the AHL.
Last season there was even a Tyler Benson dedicated thread, lots of posts, he was considered can't miss. Pundits around the hockey world were talking up his rookie season.
Well, year later and he's 33rd in AHL in pts, and 131st in Goals. hardly being mentioned now in the Hockey world.
The goal scoring totals aren't ideal but he's still putting up points like a top line player, almost top 30 as you pointed out and leading his team. Even though he doesn't fill the net, he's a smart player in all 3 zones, he competes, has great vision, is a plus playmaker and excellent on the wall. Don't forget the Oilers have some guys who can put the puck in the net in McDavid, Draisaitl and Neal. The one concern with Benson is he is an average skater and will have to continue to work to improve in that area. But at this point the kid needs a chance to show what he can do in a top 9 roles with the big club, if he's not there yet send him back down. I'd have a little more time for Benson since he missed so much time as a junior and I think if his skating improves he's got a real good shot of being a solid middle 6 NHL'er.