 For the first time in his career, Benoit remained in the NHL for the duration of the year with the resurgent Senators, to post 3 goals and 10 points in 33 games.With the intention to gain a one-way contract in the NHL, Benoit succeeded in signing as a free agent to a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche on July 5, 2013.Benoit made the 2013–14 opening night roster out of training camp, and on his Avalanche debut he logged a game-high in ice time in a 6-1 rout of the Anaheim Ducks on October 2, 2013.