W/C Zachary Benson - (2023, 13th, BUF)
- Thread starter Artorius Horus T
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- Aug 22, 2006
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I think a lot of us (Non Sabres fans). Will be tuning in to see how this kid develops.
I think Benson is having the best preseason of any player from the 2023 draft. Pretty damn impressive.
Petes2424
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- Aug 4, 2005
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If you took the names off the back of the jerseys, and just watched the game… You’d ask yourself.. When did Buffalo get Alex Debrincat??
Very similar players. He’s obviously gonna have to get stronger, as we seen on the Jeff Carter goal, but he’s such a weapon, and because he does “think the game” so well, he doesn’t put himself in bad situations where his strength is going to be a major issue. At least he hasn’t yet.
Can’t see how they don’t keep him around for at least the 9 games, and see how he does when the games tighten up next week. The concern pre-draft was, if he’d be able to create space in the NHL? Although the games aren’t as tight in the preseason, it’s pretty apparent it’s not gonna be an issue.
I’d say if there’s any concern, it’s gonna be how he physically holds up over an NHL season? Like Debrincat, he’ll likely never be known for his defensive game, but he also doesn’t put himself in situations where his strength has been a real issue, because he does “think the game” at such a high level.
One things for certain, no matter where he ends up 10 games into this NHL season, Benson is going to score in the NHL. Whether it’s 9, 20, 40 or 80 games this year, it’s gonna be a full season next year..
It sure is nice to already know, the kid you just drafted 3 months ago, is gonna be a hell of an NHL player, this soon after a draft. For Chicago, Anaheim and Columbus, there wasn’t much doubt. For Buffalo and Detroit, not sure many fans expected what we’ve seen, but it’s pretty obvious both teams are very happy with their pick.
Very similar players. He’s obviously gonna have to get stronger, as we seen on the Jeff Carter goal, but he’s such a weapon, and because he does “think the game” so well, he doesn’t put himself in bad situations where his strength is going to be a major issue. At least he hasn’t yet.
Can’t see how they don’t keep him around for at least the 9 games, and see how he does when the games tighten up next week. The concern pre-draft was, if he’d be able to create space in the NHL? Although the games aren’t as tight in the preseason, it’s pretty apparent it’s not gonna be an issue.
I’d say if there’s any concern, it’s gonna be how he physically holds up over an NHL season? Like Debrincat, he’ll likely never be known for his defensive game, but he also doesn’t put himself in situations where his strength has been a real issue, because he does “think the game” at such a high level.
One things for certain, no matter where he ends up 10 games into this NHL season, Benson is going to score in the NHL. Whether it’s 9, 20, 40 or 80 games this year, it’s gonna be a full season next year..
It sure is nice to already know, the kid you just drafted 3 months ago, is gonna be a hell of an NHL player, this soon after a draft. For Chicago, Anaheim and Columbus, there wasn’t much doubt. For Buffalo and Detroit, not sure many fans expected what we’ve seen, but it’s pretty obvious both teams are very happy with their pick.
toddkaz
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- Nov 25, 2022
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Buffalo is loaded with offensive talent and Benson was probably the best player on the ice for the sabres.
He will get the 9 game look but I am not sure how you send him down after that.
TheDawnOfANewTage
Dahlin, it’ll all be fine
- Dec 17, 2018
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I think DeBrincat is a very poor comparison. Benson is a brilliant defensive player and a master on the forecheck at stealing pucks. Really at stealing pucks anywhere on the ice.
ORRFForever
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- Oct 29, 2018
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Just make sure the Sabres do the right thing in December...
From the look of things, the NHL is going to be picking Team Canada dry this year.
Dominance
99-66-4-9-87/97
Dumbfounding take. Outside of stature, Benson and Debrincat could not be less alike…
Our Lady Peace
Registered User
A skilled, quick, possession beast. I don't see how he's not a 1st line player. He fits right into how the game is being played now.
Buffalo got away with robbery 3 months ago and now their riches of talent will be through the roof... if it wasn't already!
Buffalo got away with robbery 3 months ago and now their riches of talent will be through the roof... if it wasn't already!
Artorius Horus T
sincerety
??????
Brinksy's the entire game is based on his two way, defensive, without the puck play, you know..
He is one of the best passers of the entire NHL, - i can't.... i'm still repeating this after about 8 or so years.. he bases, models his game after his childhood hero; Pavel Datsyuk
Sure, his shot, goal scoring ability is world class but, he is sooooo much more.
You'll see more special defensive plays from Benson in five games than you'll see from DeBrincat in a year, and I'm not even saying DeBrincat is bad at it. Just different types of players. Benson's level of engagement all over the ice is so much higher.
Shroud of Orrin
Come on, Bob
I’ve always considered DeBrincat a pure sniper. If he’s not sniping he not offering much else.
After watching every shift of Benson last night it’s easy to see his possession game and his uncanny ability to stay in constant motion the whole time is another level. The fact he has Tage, Mittlestadt and Cozens as an any day centre is ridiculous.
He’s going to give Bedard a run if this continues.
After watching every shift of Benson last night it’s easy to see his possession game and his uncanny ability to stay in constant motion the whole time is another level. The fact he has Tage, Mittlestadt and Cozens as an any day centre is ridiculous.
He’s going to give Bedard a run if this continues.
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Panthaz89
Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Panthers fan
Benson more reminds me of ROR(style wise) with how tenacious he is on top of opposition he's the type of player no one wants to play against because you always have to be paying attention or the puck will be stolen.
toddkaz
Registered User
- Nov 25, 2022
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When have the sabres ever done the right thing?Just make sure the Sabres do the right thing in December...
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From the look of things, the NHL is going to be picking Team Canada dry this year.
Petes2424
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- Aug 4, 2005
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They’re very, very similar, and it’s actually a technique that started almost by accident. Both of them play in the offensive zone, like they’re in the middle of a drill. Almost constant movement. Separate from what they’re teammates are doing..
They both race to openings with their stick on the ice, put themselves in positions to score, and never waste more than about a half second (at most. Usually it’s constant unless a pass is coming) before peeling off, to the next opening, with stick still on the ice. Never in one spot very long..
There’s been a handful of smaller players who do this at very high levels. It helps them stay out of trouble in a physical sense. They’re almost never stationary unless they’re on the PP.
The first player we really seen do this at a high level was Rocco Grimaldi. Where he’d be constantly moving, while his teammates were setting up in the zone, etc. It goes back to the way Jeff Turcotte trained Rocco as a young kid, prior to even his Caesars days. Debrincat really has been the most successful doing it. Benson absolutely does the same thing.
It’s not a bad thing. It’s what’s allowed him to play at high levels, not being as physically strong as players much bigger and stronger.
Half Clapper
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- Dec 1, 2017
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Ace
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- Oct 29, 2015
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With the Sabres moves today and Quinn and Savoie set to be put on IR to start the year (Savoie is skating with the team but missed all of camp) the 23 man roster is set for opening night.
Benson is on it.
The door was open for him with the two injuries, especially Quinn…but he earned it. A lot of talented and more seasoned young players had the same door. He took it.
Benson is on it.
The door was open for him with the two injuries, especially Quinn…but he earned it. A lot of talented and more seasoned young players had the same door. He took it.
EddieTheEagle
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- Sep 17, 2006
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I don't disagree with you but obviously, both players bring a totally different style of game. I also don't think Canadians would complain about the team, given the outcome.
Benson has had a fiiiiire preseason and really hope he can continue his play over an 82 game stretch. Congrats, Sabres! Adding riches to riches.
Ace
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- Oct 29, 2015
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Four goalie interference calls in two games go their way so they could luck out against Czechia with all that help.
Yeah. Nothing for them to complain about.
Skinnyjimmy08
WorldTraveler
- Mar 30, 2012
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This is unreal to see Benson make the team as of now. I still fully expect him to be returned to junior eventually within his 9 games but still this is great news to see him excelling.
I am very excited to see how he does when things pick up alot more when the regular season starts.
Buffalo seems to be slowly building something special
Zman5778
Moderator
When I watch Benson play, I see a cleaner version of Marchand -- just a complete and total puckhound all over the ice whose offensive game is balanced.
Ace
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- Oct 29, 2015
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It is going to be an interesting nine games. He’s going to play with good players and if he produces and plays well…it’s going to be hard to send him back. But….what’s going to happen with Savoie? He’s still here and just started skating. He’s not allowed to play in the AHL EXCEPT on a two week conditioning assignment. Which…when he’s ready to play they almost certainly will send him on.
It’s funny that they’re both on the same WHL team because they’re even more intertwined right now with their ELCs, WJC, and lack of AHL availability.
All that said. I don’t believe one of them (or Kulich) ending up having their contract starting is a bad thing. Theyll all 100% be in the NHL next year. Savoie and Kulich have their ELCs start either way next year. If none of them start the clock they all come up at the same time three years Later. Not to mention the headache of breaking in that many rookie forwards at the same time when youre trying to win.
Someone really has to lock down an actual spot this year.
It’s funny that they’re both on the same WHL team because they’re even more intertwined right now with their ELCs, WJC, and lack of AHL availability.
All that said. I don’t believe one of them (or Kulich) ending up having their contract starting is a bad thing. Theyll all 100% be in the NHL next year. Savoie and Kulich have their ELCs start either way next year. If none of them start the clock they all come up at the same time three years Later. Not to mention the headache of breaking in that many rookie forwards at the same time when youre trying to win.
Someone really has to lock down an actual spot this year.
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