The Edmonton Oilers seem to have discovered an inner answer for his or her scoring woes on the wing. After a Four-10-1 droop, the group is on a Three-Zero-1 run since recalling Kailer Yamamoto from the Bakersfield Condors.
Yamamoto has slot in properly on a talented line with Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and he’s producing like a authentic top-six winger. The 21-year-old has two targets, three factors and a plus-four score in 4 video games with the Oilers this season.
Kailer Yamamoto, Edmonton Oilers, Oct. 21, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Oilers radio analyst and host of Oilers Now on 630 CHED Bob Stauffer says that fellow prospect Tyler Benson may very well be becoming a member of the group shortly as effectively:
Sooner or later right here, I feel the Oilers are going to check drive Tyler Benson. I don’t know when it’s going to be, however I feel it’s inevitable that it’s going to occur. I feel lots of followers wish to see it occur. They wish to see what Benson can provide Edmonton to create much more stability up entrance.Bob Stauffer on 630 CHED’s Oilers Now (Jan. 7)
Benson Is NHL Prepared
Chosen by the Oilers within the second spherical (32nd total) of 2016 NHL Draft, Benson is the highest ahead prospect within the system. In 2018-19, he completed tied for third within the AHL in assists (51) and eighth in factors (66) in 68 video games with the Condors, and was named to the AHL All-Rookie Staff.
This season, Benson leads the Condors in assists (21) and factors (29) via 33 video games. After lacking vital time attributable to damage in his junior profession, he has taken steps ahead in his improvement within the final season and a half with the Condors. Common supervisor Ken Holland believes in bringing gamers alongside slowly, however Benson is able to make the soar to the NHL.
Associated: Benson Has a Promising Future With Oilers
With 106 video games of AHL expertise on his resume, Benson has nothing left to study at this degree. His .92 profession factors per sport common within the AHL suggests he ought to be capable of present first rate secondary scoring within the NHL (37.Zero NHLe). The Oilers have simply seven gamers on tempo for 37 or extra factors this season, so Benson can be a welcome addition.
With the sport getting quicker every season, there are considerations about Benson’s foot velocity. Whereas he’s by no means going to be a speedster, Benson possesses a excessive hockey IQ, which is arguably the second-most vital capacity to reach right this moment’s NHL.
The place Ought to Benson Play?
Permitting Benson to spend a full season within the AHL in 2018-19 was a sensible determination by the group, however it wouldn’t stunt his improvement to deliver him as much as the Oilers for even 5 to 10 video games this season. If he exhibits he’s able to contributing on the highest degree, then he may earn a everlasting roster spot.
Tyler Benson of the Vancouver Giants (Photograph by Marissa Baecker/Getty Photos)
Benson was drafted to finally play on one of many Oilers’ prime two strains, however that doesn’t imply he has to start out there. The group wants extra ability of their bottom-six, and Benson might add some offensive punch on a soft-minutes third line. Nonetheless, Benson has the smarts to play with Connor McDavid or Draisaitl sooner or later.
Holland and head coach Dave Tippett absolutely don’t wish to break him into the league towards the opposition’s prime defenders. Nonetheless, Benson might thrive with extra gifted gamers round him. If the Oilers maintain the Nugent-Hopkins, Draisaitl and Yamamoto line collectively, Benson must steal James Neal’s spot on the primary line.
I might see Benson working effectively McDavid and Zack Kassian, however I doubt we are going to see that trio play collectively in 2019-20. Anticipate Benson to play the left aspect with Gaetan Haas and Alex Chiasson if he will get recalled down the stretch drive. He isn’t a lock to play NHL video games this season, however he ought to be on the roster no later than opening evening in 2020-21.
