That’s Tyler Benson sending a flat out brilliant pass to Ryan McLeod for an Oilers goal earlier this season (January 3). Benson has two NHL assists, both great passes, and the goal scorers (McLeod and Josh Archibald) are bottom-six forwards.
Recently, the Oilers rolled out three skill lines, and Benson remained on the sidelines. I’ve always believed you have to give a player 500 at-bats, like one full season, to see what you have. I wonder: How many times have the Oilers drafted a player, developed him, and then didn’t give him a full chance before that player emerged as a bona fide NHL regular?
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Do the Oilers finally have three strong outscoring lines?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ bizarre January ended on a high note
- DNB: Oilers’ Zach Hyman is compelled to speak up about antisemitism when he sees it
- Lowetide: Revisiting Oilers’ choice to take Kailer Yamamoto in 2017 NHL Draft
- DNB: Evander Kane’s presence was felt in his Oilers debut
- Lowetide: Why prospects stall in the AHL
- DNB: Oilers leaders believe Evander Kane will buy in
- Lowetide: Have Oilers trade assets changed in light of the Evander Kane signing?
- Lowetide: Grading the first 3 years of Ken Holland’s Oilers trades
- DNB: Adam Cracknell is now a Canadian Olympian.
- Lowetide: Leon Draisaitl’s history of long Decembers and what came after
- Lowetide: Three first-shot scorers in Oilers system in a race to make NHL
- DNB: Dylan Holloway resumes road to Oilers after frustrating injury interruption
- New DNB: Oilers’ flaws can’t be ignored as losing skid goes from bad to worse
- Lowetide: Why can’t the Oilers win a trade in the Connor McDavid era?
- DNB: ‘We’re finding ways to lose’
- Lowetide: Midseason review of Oilers reasonable predictions for 2021-22
- DNB: The Oilers aren’t getting a dominant Leon Draisaitl right now
- Lowetide: What to expect from Dylan Holloway in Bakersfield and Edmonton this season
- Lowetide: Forget the Connor McDavid bump, Jesse Puljujarvi is the real deal after all
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2021
WHAT TO EXPECT IN FEBRUARY
- On the road to: WAS (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- At home to: VEG, CHI, NYI (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: SJS, LAK (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: ANA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: WPG (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: MIN (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: TBY, FLA, CAR (Expected 0-2-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected result: 6-4-2, 14 points in 12 games
- Actual January results: 1-0-0, 2 points in one game
- Oilers in 2021-22: 23-16-3, 49 points in 42 game
THE LOST HIGHWAY
Walt Poddubny was drafted in 1980, enjoyed two strong minor-league seasons and enjoyed a four-game look with the Oilers before being dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Laurie Boschman. Glen Sather knew what he had, getting an NHL center for an NHL prospect, so that doesn’t count. Poddubny had a fine, if short, NHL career.
Marc Habschied was drafted in 1981, and like Poddubny Edmonton management knew he had talent but there was just no damned room. Habschied was trying to break in 1982-85 and the depth chart up front was so strong. Habschied averaged 19 goals per 82 games after leaving Edmonton.
Shaun Van Allen was drafted in 1987, spent several years in the AHL (he was very productive) before finally catching on with the fledgling Anaheim Ducks. The first time he scored 100 AHL points, Edmonton’s centers were Mark Messier, Ken Linseman and Craig MacTavish. He had a long career (794) in the NHL and a few years later Slats could have used him. If you’re looking for a Benson comp, he’s worth checking out.
Shjon Podein took some time to get to the NHL, then faltered, then signed in Philly and began a productive career as a two-way type. He was 6.02, 200 and averaged 12 goals a season from the bottom six. Oilers saw him good early (13 goals in 40 games in 1992-93) but they cut him loose and got nothing for him.
David Vyborny had a strong AHL season (76, 23-38-61) at 19 and then went back to the Czech Republic for five seasons. He came over when the Columbus Blue Jackets entered the NHL and had a productive season. As was the case with Van Allen, expansion offered an opportunity.
Miro Satan was known to be a quality young player, Edmonton simply refused to make room for him on a skill line. He averaged 28 goals per 82 games and played over 1,000 NHL games. He is not similar to anyone on this list.
How many names had a similar early career to Benson? I’ll say Van Allen and Vyborny. I would like to see him get a chance to play in Edmonton but the club does have talented players at his position. Maybe he could run with Nuge and Hyman for 40 games.
Is he a tweener?
During my annual “Farm Workers” piece I talk about tweeners, men who have the talent to play in the AHL but lack one or more skills or can’t find a role. Tweener is unfair, because a player like Rob Schremp averaged 14-25-39 per 82 NHL games during his career and could have had a longer career if he landed on the right team.
Benson has just two points in 26 NHL games. That’s a poor number, but he hasn’t played much and never with skill. Posting numbers in the NHL is difficult, it’s a tough league to get a job in, never mind get cherry minutes with truly great players. Over the last decade, there have been 12 forwards drafted by Edmonton who went on to play in the NHL and score a point or more. Here are their NHL points-per-game totals:
- Connor McDavid 1.42
- Leon Draisaitl 1.09
- Taylor Hall .864
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins .740
- Kailer Yamamoto .463
- Nail Yakupov .389
- Jesse Puljujarvi .372
- Tobias Rieder .303
- Tyler Pitlick .277
- Jujhar Khaira .232
- Anton Slepyshev .225
- Tyler Benson .077
- Curtis Hamilton .000
Players inevitably graduate to either a skill line (Hall, Nuge, Draisaitl, McDavid, Puljujarvi, Yamamoto) or a support line (everyone else), with a special “Europe off ramp” for those qualified for NHL work but unwilling to return to the AHL again.
Benson may never be the second-best left winger on the roster, but he could become a useful two-way winger who can post in the range of Tyler Pitlick. I think he’ll have a career.
What has to happen? I think he might go in a deadline deal, or he might score a big goal (remember Brad Winchester?) and earn more playing time.
I would run Benson with Ryan McLeod and a veteran winger on the fourth line. That isn’t going to happen. I think he can play a middle-six role on an NHL team. Someone in the organization thinks enough of Benson to keep him from the waiver wire. For how long?
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
A busy morning on the show, we get rolling at 10 on TSN 1260. Steve Lansky will join us at 10:20 to talk Oilers, Olympics and just how big the story of the Canadian Men’s Soccer team could get in 2022. We’ll also chat Elks, NFL prop bets and anything you want to discuss. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Friday!!
WORST… ALL-STAR SKILLS… EVER…
Seriously, what were they thinking? Yikes!
Considering I just saw a bunch of posts from Lagesson dog sledding and skiing, I’m thinking he won’t be playing for the Condors during the break.
lol. That’s hilarious.
And doesn’t that say he has the job?
I’ve been fairly confident he was going to get called back up for Tuesday – Koekkoek was waived and assigned well before him. Lagesson is clearly ahead of him for now.
Why do you figure they assigned him then?
They wouldn’t do it for no reason, and I can’t see an obvious one beyond ‘actually being assigned’.
In case he gets injured skiing??
Is there cap savings? Always thought that was calculated on a per game basis not per day though. Makes me wonder too if Slater is actually in Bako.
Since the team is in LTIR I don’t think there could be any cap advantage to saving a few bucks by sending Lags down.
They also put Turris on the main roster in his place, so they’d be spending more than with Lagesson I think (though it won’t affect the cap, pretty sure).
Maybe just getting Turris some more of his NHL salary since he’ll be gone from the roster soon?
Hmm, well Turris is on a one-way is he not? Gets paid regardless. Not sure what is going on.
Good point, I was thinking of his cap being buried, but his actual pay shouldn’t change.
Condors with a late insurance goal.
Skinner big save – Hablin picks off a pass, kind of a 3 on 1 – Hamblin to Malone, back to Hamlin who buries it – Holloway in the picture.
Samorukov with 7 shots
Skinner is now 7-0-2 0.931 Save Percentage in the AHL. Last season he went: 20-9-1 0.914
Stalock was back-up
Holloway involved with a number of 2 on 1s today – a couple failed passes, a couple shot, just drew a penalty trying to drag and shoot.
Still 3-1 with 2 to go.
A wrist shot from close to the point beats Skinner – a truly terrible goal on Skinner (who had been very good to that point).
3-1 Condors with 11 to do.
Malone strips (or trips) the Eagle d-man coming out from behind his net – taps it to Esposito who rips one home SH for a 3-0 lead early in the 3rd.
I think he just blew a tire, but dogged work by Malone regardless. Condors twitter was actually fast with this one:
https://twitter.com/Condors/status/1489830868206063618
Was there talk recently of him signing an NHL deal?
I didn’t realize he’s only 32 (vs. like 36) and he’s having a heck of a season in Bakersfield.
There’s worse players you could have as the #6 or #7 C on the depth chart.
Well he started on a two way, back when he was what, 27, I think? Signed the AHL deal at the beginning of Covid and you’d think if the Oil thought there was a chance of the roster being that thin they’d need him, the deal would’ve been another two way.
He’s from a real hockey family. I think he’s also married to Kirk Muller’s daughter. I look at his deals and his role in Bako as the NHL protecting one of their own. But he has been very good for the Condors, and is also a great colour guy when injured lol.
They were reportedly going to give him an NHL deal a couple of weeks ago, but not sure if it happened.
I forgot about his wife/family, and had no idea he’s a good colour guy.
Nothing on the contract sites, and nothing in his transaction history at this time:
https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/16201/Brad_Malone/transactions
There’s this: https://oilersnation.com/2022/01/21/apparently-the-oilers-are-signing-brad-malone-to-an-nhl-contract/
and this: https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/edmonton-oilers-to-sign-condors-captain-brad-malone-to-nhl-pact-report/wcm/d045fe4e-5ac7-42d5-a4a9-02cf606ce262/amp/
Sounds like they were going to give him a contract and recall him 2 weeks ago with the injuries, but he had Covid and that won’t happen now.
I’d heard reports but didn’t look closely. It sounds like a deal is not forthcoming.
Still going to be a while for Jake Chiasson:
A bright spot for the Wheat Kings is the return of forward Jake Chiasson,
who is back in Brandon as he continues to rehab the shoulder he had surgery on in October. Chiasson, whose projected return is for sometime in mid to late March, had been recovering at home in Abbotsford, B.C.
https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/wheat-kings/Wheat-Kings-deal-with-uncertainty-576133831.html
Savoie completes the hatty in the final minute of the second frame, this goal an ES marker.
Hmm? Could you please clarify this, good sir. The Denver U website said that Savoie had no points and 3 shots in a 4-2 win.
That was their previous game, January 29.
Thanks. My bad. Not the most user friendly website. I see he had 8 shot attempts and 4 SOG.
Lavoie stopped point-blank from the slot at the end of a PP.
He’s having a game and so are the Condors – so far.
They’re going to make some noise in the playoffs. Should be third in the div when the games played get evened up.
Whoa, Holloway with a Drai-like backhand pass from the corner to Griffith in the slot on the PP but he can’t bury it – that was something though,
Condors dump it in – Lavoie bears down forcing the tender to make a poor rim up the boards – right to Sammy and his snap shot from the half-wall is tipped in by Brosseau.
2-0 Condors 13 minutes in and they are dominating.
Lavoie picked up the 2nd assist (his second of the game) on the forecheck.
How it looked:
https://twitter.com/Condors/status/1489808420442017792
Griffith just picked off a transition pass and went all in alone but was stopped.
Condors up 1-0 but it could be 3 or 4 zip
Niemealinen with a solide play up the defensive boards, Brosseau deflects it to center and Lavoie takes it with full speed up the left side board – cuts in the middle on the 1 on 1 – a decent low shot away and Genaro bangs home the rebound for his first as a Condor.
Started with a nice reverse by Kesslering in the d-zone and a nice out by Niemalainen,
That was full speed. Didn’t know Lavoie’s boots had it in them. Here’s the highlight:
https://twitter.com/Condors/status/1489805416498221060
Of note, none of the NHL guys (Koekkoek, Lagesson, Sceviour) are in the lineup.
I didn’t expect any of those three to play. I am mildly surpised at Skinner starting–thought he would get the next game–but he’s only had one start in the last while so makes sense.
I would expect Koekkoek to play – he won’t be recalled after the break I wouldn’t think.
Bake has had so many of their own players out that I wasn’t really expecting the skaters to get reps tonight.
Skinner is a different story because we know the org wants to work the hell out of him and see if he can handle it.
KK though… I’ve been trying to figure out what the plan is for him (and thus Laggy too)… and hoping for the org or someone like Stauff to drop a hint.
My guess right now is… if he plays this weekend, he will be coming back up at some point. If he doesn’t, then we might only see him in Oiler sills again if injury dictates it.
I think Lagesson will be up for the game on Tuesday – Oilers only have 6 d-men on the roster, including the banged up Russell.
Yes. We know one is coming back for sure. The question is, which one? I think it’s Laggy too, but if KK gets in the game tomorrow, I will be a lot less sure about that.
(Although they could always retro-IR Kowboy and bring them both back)
Its notable that Safin is playing in Marody’s spot with Griffith and Lavoie remain on the 3rd line with Esposioto.
Holloway sets up Schaller for a clean look at the net from the doorstop (and quick developing 2 on 1 down low off a board battle) but he’s stopped.
I’m not going to do this part-time and, for some reason, “just be the college guy” but, after being demoted to the 3rd line for tonight, Savoie has two PP goals as the Pioneers are down 3-2 early in the 2nd.
One with the slapshot, and one with the wrister.
Best chance on the Eagles early PP was a Devon Brosseau clear breakaway on a paass from Malone (was stopped).
Safin with a push, taking over Marody’s spot with Griffith and Malone.
Broberg back paired with Deharnais.
I wish Draisaitl was mic’d up for his shooting attempt 😂
Would have been some creative German/English curse words for sure
Broberg back in but Marody is out.
Skinner starts (Stalock back-up).
No official word about the likes of Laggeson, Keokkeok, Sceviour, etc. I presume they are all playing.
Wanner picks up an aPPle as MJ takes a 2-1 second-period lead.
This Fountain Faceoff is just about stupidest thing I’ve ever seen.
I’ll call your fountain faceoff and raise you this breakaway challenge
Just watched the skills competition ‘hi-lights’. Thank god I didn’t watch the whole thing. This just keeps getting stupider and stupider every year.
Not to be outdone, Petrov buries his 25th of the year on the PP as North Bay extends their first-period lead:
https://mobile.twitter.com/OHLBattalion/status/1489759870568079368?cxt=HHwWkIC93bGt2KwpAAAA
Petrov plays the role of hero as he scores the OT winner to give North Bay a 5-4 win.
Back-to-back 2-goal games and 1st-star performances coming off his injury. Not too bad.
He scores the GWG from almost the same place as his first goal:
https://mobile.twitter.com/OHLBattalion/status/1489789584775196673?cxt=HHwWgsDR6f3u5awpAAAA
The Bourg is on the bourd (sorry, terrible pun) with an aPPle as Shawinigan opens the scoring in period 1.
Tullio is not in Oshawa’s lineup tonight.
I would like to see Benson and Marody and now Griffith a fair chance. Not sure how.
With Benson I honestly believe he needs a skating instructor and then take away his pee-wee stick and give him a real one. I don’t say this to attack his skating, I say it as I believe that part of his game improving would have the greatest affect on him making the NHL.
He overcomes through desire and intensity though and deserves a lot of credit. He took on bottom six role and was leading in hits per game was he not? And someone mentioned before, I wonder if his injuries affected his skating development and/or style? If so, another thing that he has handled and persevered.
The Edmonton Oilers are a better hockey team than this now.
The Q is finally back this weekend and Bourgault will be in action tonight.
Solid article here by Nugent-Bowman (with some quotes from Tyler Wright) – lots about Bourgault’s commitment to fitness.
https://theathletic.com/3112810/2022/02/04/why-oilers-prospect-xavier-bourgault-is-a-player-that-everybody-wants-to-play-with/
Scary to read he lost all vision in his eye for 12 hours after getting clipped by a stick.
How he might have appeared during its rehab:
Woody was on the with Gregor and Struds yesterday:
1) How do you fit all the new players in seamlessly? Its been an interesting month due to all the Covid issues down here. We’ve had 19 people involved in our travelling party in the protocol. Our lineup has been a mixed bag. With some of the roster moves made, getting people of that caliber make you a stronger team. You know me, I worry about they guys when I’m looking at them eyeball to eyeball – we’ll make it work and we are excited. Got a good team coming in.
2) Struds asked about Holloway – He’s come and introduced himself in a really strong way. He was injured for quite a while and frustrated as he wasn’t able to play – wasn’t able to play for us down the stretch last season or participate in training camp. He’s excited about the opportunity to play. He’s got lots of natural characteristics of an NHL hockey player. He’s big. He’s strong. He skates very well. I feel like I can use him in any situation. For Dylan, there was so much anticipation and he got through that initial adrenaline rush and now its for real. He’s learning about how good the AHL is, how you have to bring it every day, how you have to manage your rest and continue to rehearse moments you find yourself in games and do that in practice. He’s done very well. He’s a very coachable kid and an exciting player for our org.
3) Struds: Is there a difference between a player communing out of college and the CHL. I think so. Dylan is a little bit of a different case b/c he missed so much of the first half of the season. For many players that come out of the NCAA, there is an adjustment to a pro lifestyle and a pro schedule. Not conditioned to play a 70 game schedule. Conditioned to play a 38 game schedule. Can hit a wall mid-season. Dylan is a bit different b/c he’s really just starting his year and his development as a pro hockey player. Starting to feel the “every day of the AHL”. The adjustment for CHL players is often a bit different. Also, European pros that come over often aren’t used to the NA schedule. Many of those leagues are actually winding down their season right now.
4) Gregor: What impresses you most and what are you going to help him focus on. The two big things that stand out are his size and strength and his physicality. He is not just a good skater, he’s an elite skater. He’s low to the ground. Its powerful skating. Its different than say a Ryan McLeod. He gets where he needs to quickly and powerfully – its a major strength. He’s a strong kid – if you look at him in the gym and the things he can do, you’ll be quite impressed and if you look at him, he’s got the prototypical body frame for a power forward. What he needs to continue to work on down here, is there is a difference between being gym strong and NCAA strong vs. AHL man strong – just the little ways you can position yourself to protect the puck and win 50/50 puck battles. How you can pre-bump someone to establish inside position – those type of little things that come from experience. Just learning how to use that physicality and those gifts at this level. The little nuances to puck protection and establishing position, etc.
5) Struds: Do you have to mange emotion of players that don’t get the call-up? Yes, there is a human side to all the movement b/w a parent and affiliate club. We ensure we are open and honest about that. Its important that the players that are playing well are the one’s the get called up and we’ve done a really good job as an organization rewarding those that are playing well. For people that don’t get called up, they are human beings, they want to know there is a line of sight for them as an individual. I would say that as a team were comprised of some strong individual character people. People who are happy for their teammates when they have success. Great teammates down here.
6) Gregor asked about all the goaltenders? First world problems. All good tenders that bring different things to the table. All have proven they can win games in the AHL. If some have to play games in the ECHL, there is nothing wrong with that. They are all serious pros that want to get better.
7) Broberg – Super impressed with him. Like Holloway, he’s got natural gifts that seperate him from most young d-men. He’s half way through his first NA pro year. He’s learned a ton and played some games in the NHL, at the highest level that gave him a taste and that experience wetted his appetite – he’s hungry for more but realizes that he’s in a good spot to continue to grow his game. Missed the entire last week in protocol. He’s had a good week of practice and is rearing to go.
8) Niemelainen – How do you help a player with his puck skills in season? I think you can work on it in-season – its about making your reps count in practice. Its about keeping things simple. Its about understanding that our pace as a team comes through our puck movement. We do alot of things to try and build our team game through our passing abilities in particular from D to F quickly. Niemelainen got a little taste in the NHL and realizes he can play in that league. There are things he needs to improve on to establish himself as an every day player in the NHL but that dimension that he brings (physicality) is a throw-back dimension and teams take notice when he’s on the ice – i can tell you that. Its a real factor. BUT there are things he can grow in his game and he’s aware of that. He’s a good character kid. He doesn’t say much but he brings it every day. I’m proud of how far he’s come in the least year and a half an believe he’s an exciting prospect for the org as well.
Thanks for this OP. Provides a good idea of where the leading prospects in terms of their development.
I second this thank you. I enjoyed the read.
McDavid’s thoughts on the scoring race: I truthfully do not care:
https://www.tsn.ca/video/~2374688
~ Of course he’d say that, knowing that Leon is going to run away with title. ~
Its a fools game to bet against the best player in the world.
Isn’t that what I just said? 😉
Wearing the HH hat:
Krieder has 33 goals. Mathews is coming strong with 29 in only 39 games. With Ovi also in the mix, Drai will be a distant 4th when all is said and done.
Second half Draisaitl is Thanos.
I think Krieder had his surge. Leon and Connor just resting. Hold on, its coming!
It’s going to be a horse race.
I never wear hats…but…
The Leafs PP has become lethal (as it should always have been) so Matthews will most likely win the Richard.
And anyone not discussing Kadri for the Hart isn’t paying attention.
That’s a shit hat.
If the Oilers play well, Draisaitl and McDavid will run away with it. Draisaitl has the advantage because of his shot and a wider range of skills. Kane could tip the balance in McDavid’s favour if Kane plays with him and gets hot.
Waiving Benson is probably the best option all the way around if Tipp is going to be the coach for the second half. Tipp clearly has no use for Benson and the player could use a fresh start on another team.
Better to get something in trade, even if it’s at the deadline.
If that is the plan, wouldn’t it have made sense to try and build a bit of value with this player. There have been plenty of opportunities this year for Tipp to do so. Sceviour earned more playing time with better linemates and he just cleared waivers. Benson is likely worth nothing in trade at this point. Do him a favor and let him move on. He’s earned it.
He may have earned it, but the Oilers management is tasked with getting value whenever possible. A summer trade is possible, or a deadline deal ala Rita/Salmelainen in 2006.
May I ask who these “better linemates” Sceviour was given? His most common linemates were:
Ryan
Benson
Shore
Foegele
Perlini
Turris
Not sure if ol’ Dutch can swing this at the deadline but come summer if the Oilers can add a legit starter and a defensive defenseman who can clear the crease consistently, I think we can be a top 5 team next year.
As I see it, with the forward depth we have, a good goalie (Smith?) would make us a top 10 team and a top 4 defenseman who is good in the D-zone (Klef?) would vault us to the top 5. With that I’d wager that we’ll be better than Vegas (even with Eichel) as the best team in Pacific.
Would Ken be able to trade Barrie & Kass to make this happen? We wait.
Would the person who downvoted this explain his / her reason for doing so. Just curious to know what they disagree on.
Okay, this sort of made me laugh.
Now give me 2 downvotes you buggers.
I agree
Remember though that Kane is a free rental
He isn’t up to speed yet and still makes a huge difference to the make up of the team
Which is why top skill F and D that are mean and tough are second in what a GM wants only to elite players and goalies
If Kane wants to stay (will he value dollars over C and L?) and there are no incidents, put a marker on him resigning
Then comes the question- can Holland do it without an obnoxious contract? I am not confident
The Condors $2 beer promotion this weekend has me California dreaming in such a winters day.
I’m on the next flight. Get them in.
Its too bad that Buffalo has Dahlin so likely do not have any interest in Barrie as both Pysyk and Miller are thoughts for 3RD for the Oilers for the rest of this season (both on expiring contracts) if they can move Barrie.
With respect to all the talk about acquiring Josh Manson, even taking away the fact he’s hurt for another month or so and isn’t quite the same player he was a few years ago, lets not forget there are rumblings he has no interest in Canada and has a modified NTC.
Yesterday Friedman mentioned the Leafs had interest but Toronto was on Manson’s no trade list. I imagine Edmonton is also on there even with his Dad in the org.
It’s likely moot (the Ducks will need to fall out of the race on top of the other stuff), but Manson is actually having a really nice year.
He’s leading the Ducks D in almost all the on ice metrics, as well as being 1st in TOI vs elites and 2nd in DZ start %.
So what are the chances we see Woodcroft and Manson replace Tipp and Playfair next season? Have to think those two are not going to want a spend another season in Bakersfield but no idea what other teams might be interested in them for NHL spots???
It’s among the options I’d explore. Doesn’t feel like a Kenny move.
Holland promoted Blashill after Babcock moved on.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility.
Tipp will re up for 3 and Woody will be heir apparent and be told that
Manson will get hired outside
The new analytics dept will be charged with Tipp’s data package and scrapes of NHL +/- top points producers and records
Bland City
They need the McDavid of analysis
Or a least Leo
And a trainer that can handle highly charged thoroughbreds
Tip talks about things such as slot passes and shots off the rush and cross-ice passes, etc., etc., etc. vis-a-vis numbers.
While I’m not sure what Holland looks at, Tip is looking at much more than you suggest.
Yes he does
Still can’t get the key under solid control though can he
He should be looking at zone exits and entries and how those translate to scoring chances…among other things.
Considering he’s spoken directly to numbers in that regard…..
P.S – it was lost on noone that you posted false information yesterday, doubled down on it, were proven wrong (by many) and couldn’t even be adult enough to acknowledge it.
Again.
I would love to know the organization’s thoughts on the future of Woodcroft and of K. Gretzky.
Tyler Yaremchuk
@tyleryaremchuk
·
10m
Asked McDavid and Draisaitl who they think is the Oilers unsung hero right now…
97 – Koskinen
29 – Nugent-Hopkins or Hyman
Think I would agree with Drai on that one!
that’s a great answer by 97. Captain-like.
and true.
Man, if Drai would have said Jim Matheson…
hahaha aw man
Well, he does know everything, so …
It’s Ceci.
Holloway was on Inside Sports with Reid Wilkins and had some info on the wrist and where its at.
He did mention when he was getting assigned down that it won’t be 100% for a few months. Last night he stated that the bone is 100% healed so that’s why he’s cleared but, since he hadn’t used the tendons, etc. for so long, he still has very limited mobility and quite a bit of pain and those will subside over the next couple of months.
This is likely why we haven’t seen him shoot all that much – I bet ya it hurts.
The fact his passing has been so good with limited mobility and pain is amazing.
Another good value contract on the way!! Like to see him get some NHL games this season.
I wonder who gave him the green light to be shooting after the first operation. You would think that the Oilers would have been monitoring that closely.
Detroit AGM announcement dubious. No confirmation from Horcov twitter account.
DETROIT — Detroit Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman today announced that Shawn Horcoff has been named Red Wings assistant general manager and general manager of the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.
https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/shawn-horcoff-red-wings-assistant-general-manager/c-330509044
Not true until I see our erstwhile Komrade pounding his weight in vodka.
Will be interesting to see what the Condors’ lineup is like tonight.
Who starts in goal? They have Skinner, Konovalov and Stalock all on the roster and all rested. Soon they will have Rodrigue who will be assigned down when Smith is activated for Tuesday.
Will be good to have Broberg back – Woody mentioned he’s out of protocol and feeling great. Lagesson down as well. My guess is Kaldis comes out.
Lots of forwards now as well with Sceviour down.
Should be a great match-up. Condors have lost in regulation once in their last 15 and Colorado hasn’t lost in regulation since mid December I believe.
Past 5 AHL games:
Konovalov: .940
Skinner: .923
Rodrigue: .899 (.919 in 4 January games)
Stalock: .892 (dating back to 2016-17!)
Who would you start?
~ Is this one of those trick questions like the one 31Saves posted recently?~
d) Stalock
Waiting on Jimmy to write in
e) Koskinen
Benson actually adapted his game this year to better fit the role they were putting him in, and was kinda hitting his stride on the line with MacLeod. Then they sent him to the pressbox. It’s clear that he has no future in this organization. When Tippett is running Shore at 4C so he can put Ryan on the wing instead of dressing Benson, it’s a bit of a tell! I think he’d be a great fit with 18 and 93, but we’ll probably see Turris or Perlini there before that.
I don’t think it’s a tell at all, considering how they handled Boosh last year compared to this.
I love Benson. I am the self-proclaimed chairmen of the Benson fan club. I believe in him and I agree that he hasn’t been given a real shot.
With that said, even in his limited mins without any skilled linemates, his production is a disappointment. Maybe he just “hasn’t gotten the bounces”, but if he gets to 50 gp with only 4 points I think that it is something more. Even on the fourth line he needs to flash those slick passes more often.
I don’t think the org is all that concerned about his “lack of production” to tell you the truth. That’s speculation on my part, but I think he would ‘ve seen the waiver wire or been traded if they truly thought he’ll never be able to produce at this level. It’s the other aspects of his game, IMO anyways, that they’re likely working on.
But the production must be tied to never getting a shot with McDavid/Drai/Nuge no? The only explanation I see for him never getting the opportunity when so many others have is they think he would be a drain on the production.
The explanation I see is they don’t want to destroy the player by having him play against comp he can’t handle (nor risk the standings points). Kind of like what happened to Pujo 1.0.
I also think we would’ve seen different deployment from Tippett if it hadn’t been for Omicron and losing streaks.
They don’t know if he can handle it or not, he’s never been given the rope to find out.
Coming off a point-per-game season in the AHL, Benson has gotten ice time with the following forwards this season:
Preseason:
McLeod 33 minutes
Sceviour 28
Marody 16
Bourgault 6
Griffith 5
all others under 2
Regular season:
Sceviour 75
Turris 64
Ryan 43
Shore 41
McLeod 36
Kassian 30
all others under 10
A couple of over-30 types with a past history of scoring some, but not much recent history. No time to speak of with 97, 29, 93, 18, 13, 56…
Even when the team was crapping the bed for weeks on end, they never gave him a shot on a skill line. I know Holland preaches patience, but holy moly, this is his Draft +6 year & he’s still not getting a shot to do what he does best.
You can add Marody to the list of not getting a fair shake.
#FreeBenson
So, what your saying is, he’s getting Devon Shore minutes with Devon Shore’s line mates and is under-performing Devon Shore.
Sounds about right to me.
Some people I know say the NA boys get a better shot to succeed but I have seen no evidence that this is true. Even a home town kid can’t get a decent look.
Borrowing from Munny down below:
In the past 3 seasons (Benson got games in the 1st and 3rd of those), here is the TOI each player has gotten with McDavid and/or Draisaitl, as well as their TOI without:
Benson 22 209
Foegele 184 341
Perlini 54 125
Shore 56 512
Turris 51 414
McLeod 36 388
Kassian 937 651
Shore, Turris and McLeod have not played proportionally more with 29-97 than Benson.
I don’t think it should be the birthright of every player/prospect that comes through the org to get a shot at playing with McDrai.
It would be nice if Benson succeeds at the NHL level but I don’t believe he’s shown anything to differentiate himself from any of the other 4th line guy on the Oilers.
On the radio LT just commented about giving Perlini or Benson a shot with Nuge and Hymen and benching Kass. Thumbs up to that idea. Kass brings very little to the game anymore. Maybe some time in the press box gets him to reassess his game. If Kass isn’t being a physical presence having him in the top 6 (or 9) makes no sense. It was a bad contract the day it was signed but there is no point having him play up the line up because of his contract!
Benson might actually be just as physical as Kassian.
He’s more physical, when is the last time Kassian finished a check with purpose, probably when he injured himself.
When he ran over that goalie in Mtl
First shift after McDavid and Hathaway collision and they killed Yamamoto’s penalty. Kassian’s next shift, he made a beeline straight for a caps dman behind the net and ran him over. Then went straight for Hathaway at other end. Sadly, we don’t see that Kassian enough. If he had shifts like that even 70% of the time he was on the ice, people wouldn’t be as down on him.
Benson needs to work on his shot. I like that he brings some grit but
I’ve seen him wiff on two open nets now. I don’t find that skating is a big issue as I’ve never seen him out of position because of it. He is smart and is in position most of the time. He is never going to one time pucks from the point but getting heavier on his stick infront of the net would help him score a goal.
I’ll just re-state that Benson should have been traded away last season and simply isn’t a permanent NHLer.
AAAA player as you’d say LT. Too many gaps in his game and doesn’t have a skill that outweighs it at the NHL level. Hasn’t ever recovered from his disrupted development.
The Blackhawks have:
1) Rocky Wirtz making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
2) 3 more people looking at separate lawsuits for the 2010 scandals.
3) Might hire Chiarelli as their GM.
Even with the Kane acquisition, I’m grateful the Oilers aren’t as dysfunctional as this.
I see they are interviewing Tulsky also. So from end of the stream from incompetent to competent. But you wonder why Tulsky would want to be associated with the Hawks.
Toews and Kane only have one year left. Tulsky could probably trade both of them this summer, retaining 50%. Worst case, they only have one year left. Kane would probably bring at least a 1st round pick, probably a lot more at 50% off.
Then than Seth Jones and Connor Murphy, the cap sheet is free.
One can essentially build from scratch almost immediately. Great spot for an analytics GM.
4) the Kane, Toews, and Seth Jones contracts. And no goalie for next year.
Looks like Keith saw the iceberg
In yesterday’s thread, I got a great insight into the fanbase’s tolerance for mediocrity that enabled this bumbling organization to maintain bums in seats through a decade plus of ineptitude.
Given the prime minutes Puljujarvi and Yamamoto have been gifted playing alongside two generational talents (yeah I said it), I suggested that their actual production has been underwhelming at best and piss poor at worst.
This was the response:
“What are your expectations of these players?
JP is on pace for 20~ goals and 50~ points. Cheap contract. Seems pretty decent to me.
Yamo is on pace for 16~ goals and 32~ points with little PP time. Cheap contract. Seems decent.”
Decent. They’re playing alongside two of the best players this franchise has ever had and their production is DECENT. Oh and cheap.
To me, this is a bit like saying, “We came dead last in the F1 standings but hey our car was cheap and it got great mileage!”
Kurri. Anderson. Tikkanen. Guerin. Smyth. No offense to those weaned on mediocrity, but I know what consistent Top 6 W production looks like and JP/Kailer is not it. The 5 year grades are in for Jesse’s draft class and he’s a bust. Like Yakupov before him, a million dollar physical talent with zero puck sense or positional awareness. The consistent theme in Kailer’s game is the length of his scoring droughts. Best case scenario, he reinvents himself in the bottom 6 ala Cogliano.
A legit top 6 producer playing alongside McDavid or Draisaitl should threaten 35 goals by himself! But this fanbase is seemingly satisfied by two maddeningly inconsistent and unproductive players frittering away the playmaking of two superlative talents because they’re cheap?
One element championship teams have in common is they set high expectations and they don’t make excuses. Claiming Puljujarvi and Yamamoto’s play in the top 6 is satisfactory is neither of those things. As a fan, if you want more, expect more. Stop creating rationalizations that perpetuate mediocrity.
This is interesting. I agree KY is not going to be a 40 goal scorer and of the two, I would package him up and get something we need. JP on the other hand has talent. He has been in a drought but McD and Leon did not exactly have stellar December and January either. I would put him back up with McD and Kane. And back on the PP. There is a player here, this drought allows us to get him cheaper with his next contract.
Pujo played on the PP last game.
In today’s thread I’m getting great insight into many fans lack of patience with players and into the belief that it’s fan impatience with player point production that drives better all-round performance on the ice.
Oh look, a sarcastic reply with zero substance. Thanks for the ‘content-lite’ analysis.
Response in kind seemed fair. And that’s not sarcasm, it’s parody.
Good teams do not have a Yamo full time in their top 6. If you speak of this some folks and especially one poster thinks it’s some sort of a attach on short people. I give Holloway another 10 games to get up to speed before adding his much desired power game to our top 6.
Dutch Funnel has a point: The NHL is NOT a development league. Mock, as you do and may, but if you accept mediocrity, you condone it.
Of course the NHL is a development league.
Do players in the NHL not develop (i.e. get better)?
Do the teams whose individual players develop (i.e. get better) not win more games?
The answer to both these questions is obviously yes.
If the Oilers aren’t treating each practice and each game as both an opportunity to win right now (in the short term) and an opportunity to get better in the long term then they are doing it wrong.
Please don’t deliberately misunderstand me. We’ve both been on this blog a while and I hope that even if you don’t like me or my posts, you can at least credit me with enough intelligence to know that development is an ongoing process and doesn’t stop once a player gets to the NHL.
Just like I credit you with the intelligence to know that the majority of a players’ development in this, or indeed any sport, is usually done in the lower leagues, some of which are actually know as development leagues.
Isn’t this the whole ethos of Ken Holland? Except when it doesn’t suit him.
The OP does have a valid point; their production isn’t enough. It seems we fix one thing and something we thought was OK is now the problem.
The question is, is their production, small as it is, being elevated by playing with Connor and Leon? Numbers say Connor is actually better when playing with JP, making JP a rare player; one of the few that isn’t a boat anchor for him.
With Yam, except for the summer of love with Nuge and Leon and flashes of good play, if he hasn’t developed by now…
I think saying the NHL is not a development league means it’s not to develop into NHLers but rather develop as NHLers
That’s the best I’ve heard it put.
Completely disagree, both of the young wingers have contributed to the teams success this season.
If a legit top 6 wing gets 35 goals all by himself there’s alot of teams out there fooling themselves.. Like nearly every single one of them.
Somehow in your view the Oilers not only need to have McDavid and Leon, plus 4 wingers that produce 35 goals all by themselves or they’re not championship material and should just pack up and go home lol.
Calling Jesse a bust.. I mean what are you watching out there? He’s been snake bit recently, but that hasn’t effected his extremely good defensive game, his ability to hound turnovers and back check. Jesse and Yams are both excellent are creating chaos for the 2 skilled center men to thrive.
I mean they’ve only been battling for the scoring title all season and that’s with 2 months of hell mixed in.. But I guess since Jesse and Yams weren’t themselves battling for the scoring title they’re infact useless. Good math.
Calling Jesse a bust.. This is just amazing.
If you play with Kucherov, Point or Stamkos in Tampa Bay, you’re expected to produce or Cooper will slot in someone else. Actual boxcar production not ‘tries hard’ moral victories. Anyone can dig out pucks. Ty Rattie even. Doesn’t matter. Light the lamp. That’s the job description and what the expectations should be when you play with Leon or Connor.
Pat Maroon understood this. Too many fans don’t imo.
The window is shrinking. Set your sights higher.
Have you looked at the actual boxcar production of secondary scorers in Tampa???
Alex Killhorn plays significant minutes with Kuch and Stamkos. He has never scored 35 goals and never scored more than 50 points.
Pat Maroon has never scored 35 goals and never scored more than 45 points.
Palat has never scored 35 goals. Scored more than 50 points twice.
Do you know how rare 35 goal scorers are and how much they cost?
Puljujarvi’s PPG is better for less money than Maroon’s was in 2016-7.
If Puljujarvi was scoring more, the Oilers wouldn’t be able to afford him next year.
The Oilers have committed term and money to McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, and Hyman (and Kassian and Foegele, but “only” two more years). So there is really no room to pay for another elite winger. Re-signing Kane requires trading both Kassian and Foegele with their full AAV’s gone.
Puljujarvi has chances. He is not finishing them. He is a very good NHL player. The thing is in the worst case he would be a great affordable 3rd line player on a contender.
The thing is he can contribute to winning without being an elite scoring winger. When the OIlers contend Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and Puljujarvi might be the 3rd line,
Kane McDavid Lavoie
Holloway Draisaitl Bourgault
Hyman Nugent-Hopkins Puljujarvi
xxx McLeod Yamamoto
Bourgault appears to be a more natural offensive talent, and Lavoie has a shot. When one is capped out, on needs ELC talent to be productive.
Not just called him a bust, but a bust just like Yakupov! Lol. Spectacular statement. Hard not to dismiss the entire post because of those words. Comparing hockey players to F1 racing is the most absurd thing I have heard in quite some time. Breaking news: F1 has no cap bud. Comparing Apples to helicopters.
Dismiss my post anytime you like. I dismissed your opinion the second you called me ‘bud.’
Isn’t he on Married with Children.
I tend to think success under the cap hinges on squeezing the most value possible from the pieces available. The moments where any part of your roster fits the standard you describe will be fleeting. That or your roster is wildly out of balance.
Plus you gotta look at the whole of what a player brings. I’ll take JP all day every day, and for his contract Yamo delivers value wherever you play him.
Looks like someone has a bad case of verite/veridad fever!
Unfortunately, the NHL now has a salary cap.
Cheap players that out-perform their contracts are integral to any successful NHL team.
One might be disappointed with JP and Yamo based on their draft pedigree and even the opportunity they are given in the NHL. While I do not agree, I understand this concern.
JP and Yamo are both outperforming their contracts. 50 points and 20 goals for 1.175M is a great deal. Even Yamo’s projected 16 goals and 32 points is great value for 1.175M.
Would both players be better suited to playing fewer minutes? Possibly.
But, deriding both players because they are not as good as Kurri is absurd.
They are both useful players and their production could unlikely be replaced for less money.
Don’t disagree with any of this but the inconvenient truth is the Oilers continue to deploy their roster as if these two players were legit top 6 options.
Push them down the depth chart where they belong and continue the search for actual top 6 worthy producers. Could McLeod or Holloway do better with these prime minutes? Time will tell. I know Slats would be auditioning Tikkanen as opposed to convincing himself that Pat Hughes is the better long term option.
Cheap can’t be the only attribute a player brings. If you’re in the top 6, you’re producing actual boxcars. If you’re in the bottom 6, you’re a superior checker and can ideally contribute on the PK. Do you see either Jesse or Kailer thriving in that latter role?
It’s almost like 56 isn’t already a material contributor the PK, or that neither 13 or 56 have spent time in the bottom 6 this season. Because he is and they have. You seem to be unaware of this.
There’s a sizeable gap between ‘spending time’ in a role and seizing/thriving in a role. You seem to be unaware of this.
I’m sorry, I was using your terms. But now that you’ve moved the goalposts… You’re right, I am unaware. Show me how they suck at bottom 6 production and how 56 sucks at PK…
My original post is making an argument for them not being viable Top 6 options. I’m not going to get sidetracked making an argument for them in the bottom 6 to rationalize keeping the player on the roster for the participation medal contingent, particularly when my original post already said that Yamamoto’s best case scenario is truly embracing a permanent bottom 6 role ala Cogliano.
If you want to make the case for Kailer in the bottom 6, fill yer boots. That only reinforces my original position.
Hey, you’re the one that put it forth. If you don’t want to defend that position, that’s fine… I understand.
McLeod will never outproduce Puljujarvi. Likely not Yamo either.
Over the past 10 games, McDavid has scored 1.11 P/60 at 5v5 while Yamamoto has scored 1.54. Neither are good numbers, but it looks to me like you’re just picking on 2 guys you don’t like.
Where do you find these wingers who are going to push JP and Yamamoto down?
And how do you fit their salaries under the cap?
And what makes you think McLeod or Holloway are going to produce better boxcars?
If you can’t see what Holloway’s game will bring to the team than your not paying attention.
Paying attention to what exactly?
Wouldn’t it be more prudent to see him play a few games in the NHL before we start making projections on where to play him, and what he’ll produce?
I’ve seen enough of McLeod to know he’s an NHLer, but the jury is still out on how much he’s going to score.
I’m sick of laying on my couch watching Yamo fumble and bumble the puck 90% of the time and when he is in a scoring position he looks like a Deer in the headlights. When Yamo bragged how great he was at the draft that just rubbed me the wrong way. I do wish Zegras who was playing in Hollands backyard would of been as cocky as Yamamoto. Zegras>Broberg
5 on 5 goals:
Drai
McDavid
Hyman
Yamamoto
Puljujarvi
Well yea that’s who gets the ice time. How many goals would a scrub like say Perlini have playing with Leon? Pat I’ll take the over of 8.
Gets the ice time? Puljujarvi has played pretty much all his minutes with Connor or Leon this season.
Perlini? He played 3 games with Leon and they got absolutely killed – including 0-2 goals and expected goals around 30%.
I was there when Pat scored the 5 goals he also missed a few good chances to get number 6 and tie Sittler.
Great game. That day I was convinced we’d found the next Mike Bossy. An early lesson on sample size…
Quote me if I’m wrong but I believe Gretzky and Messier were both out with injuries. There’s so many great memories in such a short time but my favourite are with the so called Blue Collar grunts “Honk Honk” From Semenko pummeling that goof Peplinski are how about Lumely scoring a goal in 12 straight games.
I think you meant The Riverton Rifle… Reggie Leach.
Sittler has the points in a game record, not goals.
I watched it on T.V it was on a freezing cold Saturday night Feb 7 1976 in T.O Sittler scored 6 times with 4 assists in a 11-4 win over the Big Bad Bruins. Sales of his Jersey went through the roof come Monday it would of been Sunday but everything was closed on Sundays back then out of respect for the working man. Now I’m going to go listen to John Lennox’s working class hero.
I know, Leach has the playoff game record, at least I think he still does. I just like bringing up Leach because he was both a Bruin and a Seal, but experienced glory with Philly. Swear I can hear LT’s teeth grinding…
Vadnais was a pretty decent player though.
What happens next season when the need to be resigned and it wont be $1.175M.
That depends on their production and the next contract.
Getting so many minuses doesn’t mean your wrong; It just means you disagree with the people who are right.
100 billion burgers can’t be wrong.
Milli Vanilli was a very popular band in their day.
But they’re right about things that weren’t part of the original argument.
“Fire is hot.”
“But the best shape for a wheel is a circle!”
“…But I’m arguing fire is hot.”
“So your refuse to admit the best shape for a wheel is a circle, therefore you think wheels shouldn’t be circles. In fact you are against circles. Circlist.”
“Ok, lets talk about shapes for wheels.”
“Oh no! Abandoning your position on fire now? Not confident in your position now someone has shown you irrefutable facts about circles?”
And so on…Lot’s of people here blame HH for moving goalposts. Some of these people move goalposts like a Roomba on Speed.
*Probably best read in the voices of Eric Idle and Terry Jones ;-)*
Just gotta say, what do you think Kurri, Anderson, Tikkanen, Guerin and Smyth would have cost against the cap?
by Kurri’s fourth year he was second in the league in scoring, so would $8.5Million sound fair? Draisaitl money? I mean if Jari Kurri from 1984 were time travelled to todays game, what would he be worth? At least Tavares money no?
Anderson was a big, hardnosed power forward with a gift for clutch goals. Maybe not quite as talented as those around him, but certainly held his own. Is he in the Nuge category? $5Million? or… Landeskog territory? $7Million?
Tikkanen was a chatterbox pest with a penchant for scoring goals. Is Tkachuk’s contract a comparable? Brady Tkachuk’s? tom Wilson? All of those players earn $5million minimum and work their way up to around $9million.
Guerin was actually in the cap era. When the cap was introduced he was being paid $6.7Million out of 39 total, so he would cost $14million in todays money. Even at 36 he signed for $2.4Million, which would be about 4-5 million today.
Smyth also played in the cap era, and when he signed his UFA contract in Colorado the salary cap was at $50 million and he signed for $6.2 million. In todays cap world, thats the equivalent of a $10 million cap hit.
All of these players provided elite production as top 6 wingers, there is ZERO doubt about that. It is also impossible to fit a $10 million player into the Oilers lineup right now. The salary cap means that you need value contracts somewhere. The Oilers have Draisaitl and McDavid and so Puljujarvi and Yamamoto might not be providing top tier production, a lot of points are siphoned off by the defensemen who are quite active in the play. Do I wish these two could score more? Absolutely. However, they play the game in a way that they provide an impact even when they don’t score. Puljujarvi is quite good on the defensive side of the game, and is learning how to use his body to his advantage. There are quite a few goals I remember where he didn’t earn a point but his puck retrieval, his distractions and his presence were causes for the goal. Yamamoto is fine defensively, intense on the forecheck and draws a lot of penalties that he doesn’t benefit from (offensively).
For a combined cap hit of $2million… what are you going to find that’s better? Don’t tell me Kurri because that’s not possible.
It’s Alright, It’s Alright, It’s Alriiiight,…… CoKane!
Will the Oilers Mgt be able to kick the habit at the end of the season?
To me it just seems like wasted development. You develop a player for 3 years and he proves himself in the AHL and he gets little opportunity in the NHL. I’m guessing it’s just Tippett using his analytics and going with veterans.
Another Tippett success, give Perlini a free dirty pillow from the street several games with skill, all the while a pillow you purchased is just wasting away in the storage fighting moths.
This is the same coach that could roll 4 lines and keep developing McLeod as a center but nope.
It’s very strange that Benson has never played with 97 or 29 given the rotating cast of characters that have been on their wings during Benson’s time with the Oilers. Off the top of my head I want to say Foegle, Perlini, Shore, Turris, McLeod and Kassian (although there was some precedent for Kass) have all had a shot in the top 6 with what we can generously call mixed success. I would love to get inside Holland and Tippet’s heads concerning Benson and see how they evaluate him.
Maybe we’re keeping him off waivers so he can pop 40 points when Woodcroft becomes the HC 😉
You make a very good point. I think it is evidence that the GM and Coaches are no longer looking at Benson as someone with serious offensive upside.
I think they are pleased that he’s willing to play a safe game defensively while providing some physicality in a bottom six role.
He’s healthy scratched more often than not though, so I don’t know how pleased they are with his work on the 4th line.
When Tippett benched are the nice word everyone uses healthy scratched Bouchard last year he lost me.
It seems they are very set on what they see and what they think they need
Or give very short looks
I used to say about the Oilers and rookies they expected every kid to walk in and score 50 or they were no good
Not quite as extreme now but they still view some decent players as not useful
I don’t think they are right enough
In the past 3 seasons (Benson got games in the 1st and 3rd of those), here is the TOI each player has gotten with McDavid and/or Draisaitl, as well as their TOI without:
Benson 22 209
Foegele 184 341
Perlini 54 125
Shore 56 512
Turris 51 414
McLeod 36 388
Kassian 937 651
Kassian has played lots with 29-97, aw we knew. Foegele has also gotten a fair bit of time, and Perlini has played a pretty high proportion of his time with them.
Shore, Turris and McLeod have not played proportionally more with 29-97 than Benson though.
What I was getting at with that list of names is there were clearly periods of time where they were casting about for anyone to play in the top 6. It’s strange to me that Benson never emerged as an option, given what his skillset is supposed to be.
Yes, it’s true they have tried some guys up the lineup without giving Benson a shot.
I’m not sure I agree it’s strange, given what Benson has done in his minutes through pre-season and the year.
People don’t like the word ‘earn’ in this situation, but it’s hard to argue the guys who did get games with 97-29 didn’t do more to earn them.
I find myself both glad that Holland values Benson enough not to have waived him (so far), but also not at all upset at Bensons handling and opportunities given what he’s done when in the lineup.