He needs to stay healthy. In four WHL seasons, he only played 183 games. Last season, he sat out the first 12 games recovering from two hernia surgeries in April and July. Once he returned, he was finally able to stay healthy and hopefully the injuries are in the past. When healthy, he has an excellent all-around game. Of all the young players I’d argue he is the most consistent. He isn’t flashy, but he does everything well. He needs to get a bit quicker, and if his hip issues are behind him he will gain a half step. He’s very strong, highly competitive and is reliable in both ends.

“I grew up an Oilers fan, wearing their jersey and cheering them on, and so did my family, so being able to put it on for the first time like that was a special moment.”

On his future…

“From what I’ve heard the AHL is a very tough league. Obviously, I want to play in the NHL, but if they (the Oilers) think the right path for me is to start in the AHL, I’ll gladly do it”.

A once highly sought after prospect, Benson has struggled to stay healthy throughout his WHL career. He was expected to be first round pick in 2016 but fell to the second round after playing just 30 games for the Giants that year. When in the lineup, Benson’s offensive ability, leadership and complete game made him a real threat for the Giants. In 58 games last season, the most games that he has played since the 2014-2015 campaign; Benson recorded a respectable 27 goals and 69 points. Due to his slowed down development from injuries and his lack of a dynamic facet that defines his game, it’s hard to predict how well the young winger will do in his first pro campaign. The potential is still there but expectations must be kept in check at this point.

Although not a game-breaker when it comes to speed, he has above-average acceleration and ability to create separation .. This comes from a powerful lower body that produces a strong and stable stride. His power aids in fending off checkers .. Continues to push the pace especially when carrying the puck; often has good solo efforts in transition .. Uses his body well to guard and hold off defenders and keep them on his back and away from the puck .. This flows from strong, precise edge work where more lower body strength is obvious .. Stops and starts make him slippery and tough to defend, especially off the wall, powers through his edges to drive his way to the net and create scoring chances.

A nifty player to watch handling the puck, however won’t wow you with spectacular 1-on-1 dangles .. Uses small areas effectively to develop space in order to make individual plays .. Lines up regularly as a left winger, and works better as a distributor of the puck, utilizing high-end accuracy on both his forehand and backhand passes .. Exhibits soft hands and heads-up play while adopting a quick-strike mentality .. Often uses a high stick grip, which creates a whipping wrist shot that comes off quick and appears hard to read.