Edmonton Oilers forward Tyler Benson clears waivers, loaned to the Condors

Edmonton Oilers forward Tyler Benson cleared waivers on Thursday and the club has loaned him to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors.

Benson. 24, was placed on waivers Wednesday as the Oilers cleared a roster spot for the return of Jesse Puljujarvi, who appears ready to slide into the lineup tonight against the Buffalo Sabres.

He’s appeared in 29 of his 36 career games with the Oilers this season scoring one goal and an assist.

With him on the ice this year at 5×5, the Oilers controlled 53.39 percent of the shot attempts, 35.29 percent of the goals scored and 47.74 percent of the expected goal share. While he has brought much offensively to the table, his defensive impacts have been strong. According to hockeyviz.com, he contributes offence at a five percent rate below league average and even-strength defence at a five percent rate above league average.

Benson’s on-ice shooting percentage of 4.58 and his 95.8 PDO are among the lowest of any NHL player. Among 427 eligible forwards who have played >240 minutes like Benson, his oish% ranks 417th and his PDO clocks in at 412th.

It just shows that Benson has had literally zero bounces go his way this season. There’s still a player here, and I’m pleased he was able to clear waivers.

Now, he’ll get a chance to re-find his offensive game at the AHL level.