The Oilers have agreed to terms with one of their remaining restricted free agents, announcing that they’ve re-signed winger Tyler Benson to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay $750K at the NHL level while PuckPedia adds that Benson will receive $275K in the minors. The contract has a total guarantee of $350K.
The 24-year-old spent most of last season with Edmonton but had a limited role. Benson suited up in 29 games with the Oilers but managed just one goal and one assist while averaging 8:33 per game. With the team needing to free up some cap and roster space to facilitate their eventual trade deadline acquisitions, Benson was placed on waivers in mid-March and passed through, allowing him to be assigned to AHL Bakersfield. He was much more productive with the Condors as he had a dozen points in 18 contests, allowing him to finish up the season on somewhat of a better note.
Benson opted not to file for salary arbitration last month and with a one-year, two-way deal being the eventual outcome, the decision to not go that route isn’t particularly surprising. He’ll get a chance to earn a roster spot again in training camp, and having a cap hit of the league minimum will certainly work in his favor. However, with how he performed last season, the Oilers will be less hesitant to put him on waivers this time around so he will need to impress in the preseason to avoid being on waivers in early October.
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