W/C Zachary Benson - (2023, 13th, BUF)

[FourQuarters]

Ice is a talented team, but Benson is good enough to be a bright spot on such a team. Especially in the playoffs, he was so good. Hopefully the regular season will get back to normal next year. I would like to see Cristall, Reidt to play Bedard and Benson who are in another conference

 

[Artorius Horus T]

18 points already in the play-offs.

This kid needs more chatter around here!

 

[Strummer53]

Top 5 pick next year? I think it's possible he is drafted higher then his two big name teammates in this year's draft

 

[JMac13]

Top 5 pick next year? I think it's possible he is drafted higher then his two big name teammates in this year's draft

On a team filled with talented players he's the guy that sticks out to me every time I watch the Ice. Would not be surprised at all to see him go top 5 next year.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

20 points in 11 play-offs games.

Not a small feat at all for player who is d-1.

 

[Marc the Habs Fan]

Another big game tonight with a goal and an assist. Up to 23 points. The top 8-10 of the 2023 draft is just nuts man.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

34 goals and 89 points in 71 games so far, regular season and play-offs combined.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

 

[Dominance]

Kid has a nasty shot and has been all over the puck again tonight.

 

[landy92mack29]

As with Christall looks a lot thicker and playing more engaging. His IQ will always be his calling card but if he rounds out his game could crack top 10

 

[Bubbles]

If he grew 2 more inches this kid would be in the top 5.

 

[Dominance]

If he grew 2 more inches this kid would be in the top 5.

Generational motor.

 

[WeThreeKings]

If he grew 2 more inches this kid would be in the top 5.

Needs a bit more dynamism in his skating too.. but smart and talented kid.

 

[JMac13]

I absolutely love Benson and had him as an early candidate for a top 10 pick this year, but after watching him in the Hlinka his size/skating is definitely a concern. I think NHL teams will be cautious of that (rightly or wrongly) and he doesn't appear to me to have the frame to pack on a lot more muscle.

That being said, I wouldn't bet against him becoming a very good NHLer. His vision/IQ is exceptional and he seems to have that will to win/endless motor that will probably take him a lot further than his physical tools might suggest. Definitely rooting for him.

 

[BKarchitect]

I absolutely love Benson and had him as an early candidate for a top 10 pick this year, but after watching him in the Hlinka his size/skating is definitely a concern. I think NHL teams will be cautious of that (rightly or wrongly) and he doesn't appear to me to have the frame to pack on a lot more muscle.

That being said, I wouldn't bet against him becoming a very good NHLer. His vision/IQ is exceptional and he seems to have that will to win/endless motor that will probably take him a lot further than his physical tools might suggest. Definitely rooting for him.

I think he’s kinda the Frankie Nazar of this year…in other words he’s going to have a season on par with anything his more aggressively ranked peers will have - he will just be selected a few spots later due to his frame. Motor, intelligence and skill combo in a bit of an undersized frame.

 

[FourQuarters]

IMO he's the best forward of Team Canada. His size may low his draft rank, but not the defining factor in his development, a lot of small guys are shining in NHL.
He made his linemates become better, domiate the ice. Skating may not be his strong suit, but are other skaters really that far ahead of him? I don't think so.

 

[Torts]

Benson looks legit. After what was deemed a down year for Canadian forwards it's shaping up to be a solid 2023 class. Bedard (duh), Benson, Yager, Heidt, Barlow, Ritchie playing in CHL. I personally like Rehkopf and Barkey as well. Oh and then Fantilli at Michigan.

 

[JMac13]

Benson looks legit. After what was deemed a down year for Canadian forwards it's shaping up to be a solid 2023 class. Bedard (duh), Benson, Yager, Heidt, Barlow, Ritchie playing in CHL. I personally like Rehkopf and Barkey as well. Oh and then Fantilli at Michigan.

Don't forget Nate Danielson as well. Too old for the Hlinka, but I've been more impressed with him in my limited viewings than Yager. I think every guy you mentioned above (except Barkey) has a very likely chance of being a first round pick. Really exciting group of players.

 

[JMac13]

IMO he's the best forward of Team Canada. His size may low his draft rank, but not the defining factor in his development, a lot of small guys are shining in NHL.
He made his linemates become better, domiate the ice. Skating may not be his strong suit, but are other skaters really that far ahead of him? I don't think so.

I'd probably have to agree he's been their best forward through the first two games. Barlow and Rehkopf as well I've been very impressed with.

I'm not saying his skating is bad by any means but he appears to lack that extra gear/shiftiness almost all smaller players in the NHL have. I'd find it hard to name a star player under 5'10 in the NHL who wouldn't be considered an elite skater. Point, Kane, Hughes, Barzal, etc... Point is actually a pretty good comparable as I don't think he was considered a great skater his draft year and was a major factor in why he went so late. If Benson can significantly improve in that area I think he has everything else needed to be a superstar.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Easily my favorite player on the Canadian Hlinka team this year. Might not be the best, although I think he's up there, but very fun type of player to watch play. His sense, touch, creativity is all high NHL caliber already. I'd be surprised if this guy wasn't at minimum some 2nd line PP specialist in the NHL. The skating isn't great and I can see how it's a concern given he's 5'10 150, but I don't think it's bad. I think of that Canada team he also has the highest potential on the team. I could see the scenario where this guy scores 100+ points in the NHL. He's a little like Cole Perfetti to me in how he profiles, and I think he'll probably go in the same range. The size/skating is a question, but there is very high offensive potential.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

1+2, +1
4 shots on goal

game 1 of the preseason

winnipeg iced 12 rookies in this game
- none rookies were either 2004, or 2003 born

Ice 1st line

LW Benson
C Friesen, 18 (21-22 : in 46 games for Winnipeg 4+2)
RW Wood, 19 (21-22 : in 58 games for Lethbridge 2+3)

goals



Benson scored 2-1 game winning and 3-1 EN goal

 

[Artorius Horus T]

This kid is unreal!.


This preseason has shown how truly amazing he is.
- looking at that preseason roster, players he has been playing with
and the numbers he has been producing..

Another 2 goals, with 8 shots on goal

 

[Artorius Horus T]

2 more points.

 

[Artorius Horus T]

i bet he scores 150 points this season

 

[PostBradMalone]

i bet he scores 150 points this season

U wot m8