BENSON JUST WANTS HIS SHOT IN THE NHL
Oilers prospect says he's not upset that he's available to Kraken in the expansion draft
A lot of Tyler Benson fans out there are more upset than he is that the Edmonton Oilers are leaving him unprotected in Wednesday's NHL expansion draft.
Mostly because Benson isn't upset at all.
The Edmonton-born left-winger just wants to play in the NHL, and if a fresh start with the Seattle Kraken increases those chances, fine by him.
“It (not being protected) is something I didn't really know was going to happen,” said Benson. “In talking with my agent, I knew everything was kind of up in the air. Now, seeing the list, I'm still not too sure what's going to happen. I'm just looking forward to whatever opportunity comes to me.
“I wouldn't say I'm nervous,
I'm just more curious to see what's going to happen in the next few days.”
His days in the Oilers organization might be numbered — and for a local kid who always dreamt about playing for Edmonton, that's too bad — but at this stage of his career arc, the NHL is a bigger goal than any specific team.
He's still young, but at the same time it's been five years since he was a high second-round draft pick (32nd overall). It's time to get his shot.
“For me, it's just getting an opportunity,” he said. “Even if it's not with Edmonton, even if it's not with Seattle, as a player I just want to have a chance, an opportunity to play in the NHL and compete for a spot.
“That's all I'm looking forward to. I'm not too worried about who it's with; I just want to play for an NHL team this coming season.”
The Oilers certainly have more to lose in this equation than Benson does. There is plenty of unexplored upside in a 23-yearold point-per-game player in the American Hockey League who hasn't been given an NHL audition since a seven-game stint almost 18 months ago.
And yes, there have been many AHL standouts over the years who couldn't quite find their stride in the NHL, but it's too early to include Benson on that list after a seven-game look in February 2020.
“My last few games playing in the NHL was a year and a half ago and I feel like I've grown a lot as a player since then,” he said, adding he truly believes he is ready for a breakthrough season.
“I felt this was my strongest year as a professional hockey player. I brought consistency to the rink every game I played this year. I brought my offensive game to the rink and was able to produce.
“I was also able to do more things, grow my game on the defensive side and be smarter with the puck, even having the opportunity to play some penalty kill this year.
“If I get another opportunity, it's something I'm not going to let slip away. I'm mentally stronger and I feel more confident going into the league.”
So why didn't they protect him? Benson understands it's a business and that beyond the big four of Connor Mcdavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-hopkins and Jesse Puljujarvi, there were only three forward spots left.
The fact that Zack Kassian, Josh Archibald and Kailer Yamamoto got them is nothing to be insulted about.
When Carey Price and Mark Giordano are left unprotected by Montreal and Calgary respectively, you know that these lists can leave teams in a bind.
“Exactly,” said Benson. “Just looking at the list, the seven forwards Edmonton protected are impact players in the NHL already. All I could have done this year, and it's something I think I did do, was make it a hard decision for Edmonton. I think I did a good job of that.”
Benson also understands that the pandemic had a dramatic impact on his season. Had it been a regular 82-game schedule without any quarantines, he would have certainly been given another look. It's not like the Oilers had forgotten about him.
“I believe if it was a normal season, I wouldn't have been in the AHL all year. I would have had another opportunity to play some games in Edmonton. It's a little unfortunate, but nothing I can really do about it now. All I can do is work toward what's coming next.”
Whether it's Seattle or Edmonton.
“It's whatever team wants me,” Benson said. “All I'm doing is working as hard as I can in the off-season to make sure that whatever camp I'm in, I can show the coaching staff and management there that I'm ready to be a full-time NHL player — and not just be a player on the ice, but to help a team win. That's my goal.”
If it's Edmonton, he'll still get his chance in training camp next season. The team needs a lot of help with its forward depth, so Benson will get a good, honest look. That's a situation that still appeals to him every bit as much as a fresh start in Seattle.
“I think Edmonton is going in the right direction. It's something I'd love to be a part of, of course. If I am staying in Edmonton, I think I can be a big part of it, as well.
“I believe I have the ability to be an NHL player. Once I play again, I think I'll be able to play my game. I feel like I belong.”