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

[Selanne00008]

Very much so disagree - how many pucks did he steal yesterday? He is very far ahead of the other prospects in terms of his defensive game and possession… So it’s not shiny new toy it’s actually playing the player that can play on a third line because he has defensive chops, while the other ones if they’re not scoring goals arent there yet.

Yeah I disagree as well. At the very least you're rewarding hard work and talent shinning through. There's motivation for all prospects that if you deserve it you'll stay in the bigs. If he's sent down that's pretty deflating to the rest of the youngins.

Cap will get figured out. There's 20 teams in worse shape then us moving forward in that regard.

 

[Tatanka]

I have serious prospect burn out. I'm really happy about Bensin but normally I'd be on the moon with this kind of draft season performance.
Is he our best forward prospect since Eichel?

Dahlin
Power
Cozens
Quinn
Peterka
Savoie
Kullich
Ostlund
Rozen

prospect…take your pick. D1 performer? Only Dahlin had as much impact In D1 year

 

[HaNotsri]

Dahlin
Power
Cozens
Quinn
Peterka
Savoie
Kullich
Ostlund
Rozen

prospect…take your pick. D1 performer? Only Dahlin had as much impact In D1 year

Eichel scored 56 poins his first year, I don't think Benson will top that. Especially since he's not that mature physically and might need som periods of rest/build up. But I could see him having more positive impact over the elc years.

Dahlin had an insane D1 season.

3rd best prospect in the multi-tank era based on raw potential. He's already among our smartest forwards.

 

[Tatanka]

Eichel scored 56 poins his first year, I don't think Benson will top that. Especially since he's not that mature physically and might need som periods of rest/build up. But I could see him having more positive impact over the elc years.

Dahlin had an insane D1 season.

3rd best prospect in the multi-tank era based on raw potential. He's already among our smartest forwards.

Since set the start after Eichel, only Dahlin had a comparable D1 season. I do not see Benson eclipsing either. But as prospects go, Power Quinn Peterka all have the potential to outperfom him. Will they? who knows. Nice problem to have.

 

[HOOats]

I'd bet against Benson being released for WJC based on Adams' presser just now.

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[Faceboner]

Benson is an nhl player could the wjc benefit him sure but he is proving he is an effective nhl player atm. He reads the ice so well its next level it's almost as if he is already refining his game at the nhl level would also like to see him gain more confidence and push the play more with the puck on his stick could see hum turn into a Marchand type player

 

[HOOats]

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Reminder that this chart showed Cozens at like 96 and he looks like garbage. It even rated his defense as being elite when it was awful. This means nothing.

 

[Zman5778]

Reminder that this chart showed Cozens at like 96 and he looks like garbage. It even rated his defense as being elite when it was awful. This means nothing.

He looks like garbage RIGHT NOW (or at least earlier this year). Doesn't mean that he is forever garbage moving forward.


BUT, that said -- I agree that charts at this point during the season are relatively meaningless.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

He looks like garbage RIGHT NOW (or at least earlier this year). Doesn't mean that he is forever garbage moving forward.


BUT, that said -- I agree that charts at this point during the season are relatively meaningless.

Just saying, it’s not predictive.

 

[toddkaz]

Didn't think Benson is going to WJC he is playing just too good although it would have been fun to watch him dominate.

I remember in the summer asking chainshot if Benson would make the sabres and he laughed and said no chance.

I guess he beat everyone's expectations so far.

 

[dortt]

when is Granato going to stop smoking crack and put Benson on the #1 PP?

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

In the Canadian WJC team thread they're still hopeful Benson is made available.

If you're strictly stat-watching, I get it, but if you're watching his games it's highly unlikely. He's a positive contributor almost every shift.

I predict he stays with the Sabres.

 

[dortt]

In the Canadian WJC team thread they're still hopeful Benson is made available.

If you're strictly stat-watching, I get it, but if you're watching his games it's highly unlikely. He's a positive contributor almost every shift.

I predict he stays with the Sabres.

he should have been on PP 1 with Tuch out. Granato was on crack and PCP to keep him on PP 2

But with Tuch and Quinn coming back, I do not see a place in the top 6 for him. VO can be the 7th top 6 forward.

I'd personally send him to junior soon if his production does not improve soon. Let him dominate there and compete for a top 6 spot next year. He will not accrue a year toward UFA status, which makes it easier to keep him cost controlled

 

[TageGod]

Exceeded my expectations in all around play. Although I anticipate he does not score many goals. Maybe 10-12 goals and 20-25 assists. Doubt he hits 40 points, but otherwise impactful player.

 

[Selanne00008]

he should have been on PP 1 with Tuch out. Granato was on crack and PCP to keep him on PP 2

But with Tuch and Quinn coming back, I do not see a place in the top 6 for him. VO can be the 7th top 6 forward.

I'd personally send him to junior soon if his production does not improve soon. Let him dominate there and compete for a top 6 spot next year. He will not accrue a year toward UFA status, which makes it easier to keep him cost controlled

Hasn't he played 10 games and isn't that the cut off to 'burn a year' on the ELC?

 

[Gras]

Hasn't he played 10 games and isn't that the cut off to 'burn a year' on the ELC?

Hes referring to accruing a season towards UFA

 

[Dirty Dog]

But with Tuch and Quinn coming back, I do not see a place in the top 6 for him. VO can be the 7th top 6 forward.

I'd personally send him to junior soon if his production does not improve soon. Let him dominate there and compete for a top 6 spot next year. He will not accrue a year toward UFA status, which makes it easier to keep him cost controlled

I couldnt disagree with an opinion more. What’s wrong with him playing on the third line, he’s 18 and looks like he clearly belongs in the NHL.

 

[Dubi Doo]

Man, Vic has been working hard on the ice. I couldn't believe how hard he was working last night. Not just forechecking but skating the puck with determination.

Skinner-Thompson-Tuch
Peterka-Cozens-Benson
Greenway-Mitts-Quinn
Robinson-Krebs-Okposo

Unfortunately, there's just no room for him. Not sure how he'd feel being the #13 on the squad, but if he's cool with it- I'd waive Jost (though I've liked Jost more recently). He'll still get plenty of games.

I think I'd rather have him as depth rather than trade him for a cheap pick. Now, if a team is offering up something with a bit of value, I'd ship him off.

 

[Dingo44]

Man, Vic has been working hard on the ice. I couldn't believe how hard he was working last night. Not just forechecking but skating the puck with determination.

Skinner-Thompson-Tuch
Peterka-Cozens-Benson
Greenway-Mitts-Quinn
Robinson-Krebs-Okposo

Unfortunately, there's just no room for him. Not sure how he'd feel being the #13 on the squad, but if he's cool with it- I'd waive Jost (though I've liked Jost more recently). He'll still get plenty of games.

I think I'd rather have him as depth rather than trade him for a cheap pick. Now, if a team is offering up something with a bit of value, I'd ship him off.

What do you do with Zemgus?

 

[dortt]

I couldnt disagree with an opinion more. What’s wrong with him playing on the third line, he’s 18 and looks like he clearly belongs in the NHL.

Id rather players be slotted properly. Top 6 in the top 6. No more erod on the 4th line.

Once benson is ready for the top 6, that is when he should stick

Hes referring to accruing a season towards UFA

Yep. That cutoff is 41 games

 

[BowieSabresFan]

Benson is NOT going back down at this point.

His skill set will work just fine on the third line if necessary. He is then available when the inevitable injury happens in the top 6.

 

[MOGlLNY]

this kid is incredible

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

Listed at 170 lb.

At least half of that is balls, brains, and hands.