Tyler Benson named to AHL all-star game

@Edmonton Oilers prospect @Tyler Benson is heading to the American Hockey League all-star game.

The 21-year-old forward is set to replace Oilers F @Kailer Yamamoto, who was recalled by the big club in late December.

Benson, meanwhile, is having a great year for the Condors pacing the club with eight goals and 24 assists for 32 points in 32 games. It’s the second year he’s led the Condors in scoring having posted 15 goals and 51 assists in 68 games last year.

For Benson, this is his first AHL all-star game appearance but its not the first accolades he’s received having been named to the AHL all-rookie team, and the second all-star team in 2019.

It’s going to be interesting to see if Benson gets a recall up to the Oilers following the all-star break. There are arguments to be made that he is ready for the NHL game and his production is the greatest tell. Having become the fastest Condors player to get 100 points, needing only 107 games, how much more developing can he do?

If Yamamoto, who has shown he’s ready for the NHL by chipping in five points in seven NHL games, what can Benson do? At the very least, I think it’s time the Oilers give him some time in Edmonton to prove his worth.

On Twitter: @zjlaing