Prospect Info: Zach Benson, LW/C, Wenatchee (WHL), Signed ELC- 2023, 13th Overall

[GrierIsGod123]

I wonder if he will get 4 minutes before being sent back down?

I can't imagine he'll play tonight, but maybe they'll finally send Rousek down. Can't think of a less deserving call-up in a while.

 

[toddkaz]

I saw the thread at the top and assumed they sent him down. Not yet I guess.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

I can't imagine he'll play tonight, but maybe they'll finally send Rousek down. Can't think of a less deserving call-up in a while.

He has a one-way contract next year so they kind of have to get him as many games as possible. Like it or not, he’s our Okposo replacement next year.

 

[Zman5778]

I can't imagine he'll play tonight, but maybe they'll finally send Rousek down. Can't think of a less deserving call-up in a while.

I haven't minded Rousek like at all. He skates hard, works along the boards and is a solid forechecker.

 

[Dingo44]

I haven't minded Rousek like at all. He skates hard, works along the boards and is a solid forechecker.

I think he's too high up in the lineup and they haven't given him a spot on the checking line.

 

[Bendium]

I can't imagine he'll play tonight, but maybe they'll finally send Rousek down. Can't think of a less deserving call-up in a while.

Rousek should be up here over Benson. Rousek is also performing just fine. He is not in the lineup to be a top 6 goal scorer. He is in the lineup to be a well rounded two-way bottom six player. Be responsible and not a liability on the ice. He's worked for years to become that, per the direction of sabres management and coaching. Why do you think he doesn't deserve a shot?

 

[Dirty Dog]

I wonder if he will get 4 minutes before being sent back down?

He was averaging over 13 minutes a game as an 18 year old. So probably not. This team has done an exceptional job of giving minutes to young players if they are up for it.

 

[Dex]

I wonder if he will get 4 minutes before being sent back down?

I suggest you listen to Don Granato's comments on the matter from his post-practice session with the media on November 13th. He provides the background and circumstances related to all things concerning Savoie including his decision to limit his ice time in the Minnesota game.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Did anyone hear Donny on WGR yesterday? I know he doesn't make roster decisions but it sure didn't seem like they have any plans to send Benson down. I think he's officially a Sabre now.

 

[Faceboner]

Did anyone hear Donny on WGR yesterday? I know he doesn't make roster decisions but it sure didn't seem like they have any plans to send Benson down. I think he's officially a Sabre now.

If that's true why aren't we keeping savoie up?

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

If that's true why aren't we keeping savoie up?

I'm guessing it's because they think he's NHL-ready and Savoie is not.

 

[Faceboner]

I'm guessing it's because they think he's NHL-ready and Savoie is not.

I feel like savoie needs reps at the pro level but whatever these guys supposedly no what's best, Benson plays a pro ready game but could work on his tools some more meanwhile savoie is tools and to learn how to use them at the next level

 

[Aladyyn]

Did anyone hear Donny on WGR yesterday? I know he doesn't make roster decisions but it sure didn't seem like they have any plans to send Benson down. I think he's officially a Sabre now.

There has never been any indication that they plan to send him down. I think the entire narrative comes from people refusing to accept that an 18yo could be ready.

 

[Jim Bob]

Next three games will decide rookie Zach Benson’s future with Sabres - Buffalo Hockey Beat

Rookie winger Zach Benson likely has just a few opportunities left to show the Sabres he deserves to stay instead of being returned to junior.

www.buffalohockeybeat.com

 

[GrierIsGod123]

Rousek should be up here over Benson. Rousek is also performing just fine. He is not in the lineup to be a top 6 goal scorer. He is in the lineup to be a well rounded two-way bottom six player. Be responsible and not a liability on the ice. He's worked for years to become that, per the direction of sabres management and coaching. Why do you think he doesn't deserve a shot?

Again, this team needs offensive talent right now. Rousek has provided okay defense, but really isn't doing enough to deserve an NHL spot. Sure, he's fine as you mentioned, but this team needs more right now. Accepting mediocre play should no longer be the standard.

 

[Jacob582]

Benson in the Sabres line up tonight.

No AHL conditioning stint for Benson.

So no, Adams was never going to take the Shane Wright path with either Savoie or Benson.

 

[toddkaz]

Benson in the Sabres line up tonight.

No AHL conditioning stint for Benson.

So no, Adams was never going to take the Shane Wright path with either Savoie or Benson.

Didn't Savoie just do exactly that?

 

[Gras]

Didn't Savoie just do exactly that?

He was injured, Wright wasn't.

 

[ForsbergMoDo21]

Again, this team needs offensive talent right now. Rousek has provided okay defense, but really isn't doing enough to deserve an NHL spot. Sure, he's fine as you mentioned, but this team needs more right now. Accepting mediocre play should no longer be the standard.

Don’t disagree with the general point, but what offense has Benson exactly contributed so far? Offense that crosses the threshold of “mediocre play,” the standard we should be raising.

He certainly ought to be that player in the near future, but I do not see it at present.

 

[toddkaz]

He was injured, Wright wasn't.

Ok but They both went to AHL on conditioning stints and both ended up in the CHL instead of staying in the NHL. You can nitpick but its the same PATHWAY.

The rest is semantics.

 

[Jacob582]

Ni

Ok but They both went to AHL on conditioning stints and both ended up in the CHL instead of staying in the NHL. You can nitpick but its the same PATHWAY.

The rest is semantics.

No it's not the same pathway.

The Kraks slow walked Wright all the way to world juniors.

I think Savoie was closer to the Zadorov path. Although I think Z was out of shape and not hurt.

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

My only concern about keeping Benson up is withstanding the rigors of an NHL season.

He looked a bit tired and weak just before he was injured. He was fine against the Jets, and great tonight.

Keeping it up for an entire season is a lot to expect from an undersized 18 year-old.

He's making Adams decision difficult though. The kid is an absolute gamer.

 

[TageGod]

My only concern about keeping Benson up is withstanding the rigors of an NHL season.

He looked a bit tired and weak just before he was injured. He was fine against the Jets, and great tonight.

Keeping it up for an entire season is a lot to expect from an undersized 18 year-old.

He's making Adams decision difficult though. The kid is an absolute gamer.

Shouldn't be too hard. Give him a game off here or there, he will be fine.

 

[dortt]

no reason for Benson to be sent down. He was ready on day 1 of camp and keeps proving it

Team plays much better when he is in the lineup

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

Shouldn't be too hard. Give him a game off here or there, he will be fine.

Ya, maybe that will work. The Ducks are doing that with Carlsson, supposedly.