I'm hoping Benson and Marody get an honest look from EDM this season -- they both deserve a shot to see what they can do at the NHL level.

For sure. I feel their 750k contracts make them almost surefire waiver pickups, as two of the top AHL scorers last season. Holland should really know what he is dangling out there before he does. They deserve a shot after being stranded in Bako due to Covid.

I doubt Holloway missing time gives benson any more opportunity. I believe the plan for Holloway is to keep at centre just like Mcloed. He would be in direct competition with Ryan turris and Mcloed for 3c if doesn’t take that spot than Bakersfield bound. Ryan was brought in to be a faceoff guy on pk but could play rw 5-5 same goes for turris so I don’t see much effect on benson in this situation. However having both turris and Ryan capable of sliding over to rw does bring some clarity as to why Holland doesn’t seem to be giving in to yam.

Holloway is a center and was destined for Bakersfield regardless (IMO), I don't think this unfortunate bit of news changes Benson's chances of making the team. He's still battling with Perlini and Shore for a spot on the 20-man.

Perlini is the dark horse that could give Benson trouble. Shore is on the team. it is very likely Holloway would have been in bakersfield regardless. They said it already that they dont like bringing prospects up before christmas even if they are doing well in camp.

These comments are all fair. I wasn't expecting Holloway to make the team per se, but he was a threat to blow things out of the water at camp, putting a squeeze in both C and W 4th line/extra sports. That threat is now gone.

Rumours out there thar Archibald is unvaccinated - unclear how teams will personally choose to deal with this (follow the strict guidelines for these players, or perhaps just sit them out). Maybe that shakes out to allow Benson/Marody a chance to start the season off in EDM. We'll see!