I don't get the obsession of oilers fans and Benson... his cap is a middle six winger, not top six, definitely not top line.

I do like the trade though. I'm surprised there aren't more talks around Tierney. The value is about there too: maybe a 2nd instead of a 3rd since he is an RFA.

Benson likely not a top line option in most situations but playing with McDavid can boost certain players aka Kassian. I believe most fans just want to see if he can be McDavids Kunitz, its worth giving the kid a chance while we have a few LW injuries

He’s a point per game player in the AHL in his first two years of pro hockey. I’m not saying he’s a lock to play top 6 minutes but you can’t say he’s “capped” at a middle 6 player just because you said so.

I have been watching the guy since he first played in the WHL. As a hometown Giants fan i saw his time here, often times live.... He's a compliment piece - he doesn't carry a team. I actually like the Kunitz comparison from @Bluetomorrow83 in the previous post. He's in that range of someone that could potentially succeed on top minutes though it is doubtful he succeeds there without significant help from his linemates.
But those aren't guys you rush. He really shouldn't play in the NHL this year for any more than the odd game when players are injured.

He’s 21 years old. He played 2 years post draft in Vancouver, a full interrupted year and a half in Bakersfield where he excelled.

No offence but I’m going to take the word of the scouts and journalists that are employed to know what they’re talking about when they say he’s a potential top 6 winger over some guy on an Internet forum that saw him play junior 3 years ago.

He played five years in vancouver, albeit one didn't really count. He was made captain quite quickly and was a likable guy by the hometown fans here.

However he was never the star player here. He plays a horvat-type game in terms of work ethic and defensive mindedness, but he can't carry plays the same way true top 6ers do. Ronning was always the star guy on the giants, and I doubt Benson would have gone as high as he did if not for Ty.

I remain to say that he is someone like Kunitz - capable of getting good production, but only if he is with the right guys. You also just admitted in saying the scouts say he is a "potential top 6 winger". Doesn't mean he will be one. Also all guys have the ability to become something unexpected.

My whole point here is I see fans talking about this guy as if he is the next big thing for the oilers when he isn't.

Don't gotta take my word for it, but I thought i'd throw down my 10 cents since I've seen the guy play live more than most/all others on here.

I completely agree he’s not a “next big thing” at all! In this proposal I mean to say if he works out as a nice complementary winger in his time up before the deadline, that would be excellent for the oilers. We have the best two centremen in the league right now so...all he needs to ever be is complementary (and hopefully cost-effective). Being able to use the limited cap space we have on bringing in a great 3C like Tierney to bolster our lines away from McD and Drai for the playoffs will be more helpful in my opinion than bringing in a top line winger who will cost more in assets and cap space if we want to keep them longterm.