 On July 1, 2012, during the NHL's first day of free agency, Benoit rejoined the Ottawa Senators organization, signing a one-year two-way deal.Benoit captained Binghamton during the NHL lockout and started the shortened 2012–13 season with Ottawa once the lockout concluded in January 2013.He scored his first NHL goal on February 19, 2013, against goaltender Rick DiPietro as Ottawa defeated the New York Islanders 3–1.