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

[Dirty Dog]

I had convinced myself to argue (again, with myself) that the choices were going to be Moore, Perreault, ASP, Barlow, etc. Initially I had really wanted Benson but as the process unfolded it seemed virtually impossible that he'd fall to 13. Once Vancouver was on the clock, I stood up and started to pace all the way until KA said Winnipeg. I may have woken up my children, but it was worth it! What a pick!

I sat motionless just to not wake mine! Wasn’t easy

 

[Dominance]

Matt Sàvoie is happy with this pick

Every hockey fan should be happy about this pick. These two have rare chemistry and clearly share a joy of playing with each other.

 

[Selanne00008]

This guy is small and plays offense, wtf

As others said. We have Tage, Tuch is big, Cousins has size. On D, Dahlin Power and Sammy are all above ave size. If Savoie and Benson are undersized that's just fine by me. How would a team full of Marchand's do?

 

[MOGlLNY]

I just don’t get how you can’t like this pick. Sabres watched this kid all year due to being with Savoie. They know him better than any organization. If they don’t have any fear about his size, why should the armchair GMs?

 

[LetsGoBuffalo1126]

I saw motionless just to not wake mine! Wasn’t easy

You're a much better parent than I!

 

[K8fool]

BPA at 13 by a mile, and a heck of a player.

Looks like it. Seems like a grounded kid.. Hopefully james Patrick comes aboard in Roc of Buff..

 

[Zman5778]

Anyone hear from @Ace ??? He come off of Cloud 9 yet?

 

[LetsGoBuffalo1126]

I just don’t get how you can’t like this pick. Sabres watched this kid all year due to being with Savoie. They know him better than any organization. If they don’t have any fear about his size, why should the armchair GMs?

I think that's an underrated point as well. The Sabres were probably more present with that Winnipeg team than others just as coincidence. Given their recent track-record in the 1st round, I couldn't be more thrilled.

 

[K8fool]

I just don’t get how you can’t like this pick. Sabres watched this kid all year due to being with Savoie. They know him better than any organization. If they don’t have any fear about his size, why should the armchair GMs?

The key thing.. This kid doesn't seem to care about his size.. KA and crew seem like they will do the finishing touches on the organization now until training camp, then tweak at deadline and we'll see..

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

I cannot believe we got Savoie’s better, younger linemate. And Savoie is an amazing player himself. Such good fortune!

 

[Bobby Bottle Service]

I think this increases the likelihood of Savoie going back to Jr's this season.

 

[markpenske]

This guy is small and plays offense, wtf

fits the new mold

 

[Deevo]

Did a very large hockey player beat the crap out of Adam's in the past ? They are like oil and water to this guy..We will never win shit with a roster full of shrimpy sitter bugs..

Ever heard of Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, Rasmus Dahlin, or Owen Power?

 

[Bombshell11]

Hey man im so jealous of this pick, he's as good as Bedard if not better.

He's got a shot of becoming a 100 pts player in the league

Super jelly right now, in a way im happy you guys picked him, i think he'll be a good fit with Buffalo due to his size.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

Great result. Didn't think Benson would drop to #13. I'm only concerned about which winger gets traded for Dcorps help. It shouldn't be Benson, I just don't know who should be trade bait now.

 

[joshjull]

5'10" is tiny? Tell Point that.

Or the most recent Conn Smythe winner, Marchessault at 5’9” 180lbs

 

[old kummelweck]

Only two things scare me, and one is nuclear war...

 

[Sabreality]

Great result. Didn't think Benson would drop to #13. I'm only concerned about which winger gets traded for Dcorps help. It shouldn't be Benson, I just don't know who should be trade bait now.

'24 1st

 

[Sabre Dance]

Sabres can’t miss lately when it comes to drafting. Some luck but holy smokes they’re building a powerhouse of prospects.

Another great addition.

 

[start winnin]

Ecstatic

 

[toddkaz]

Anyone disappointed should know Benson in D year had more points than Savoie in his D+1

 

[Cuphead]

BPA always

and especially always when it's by a wide margin.

 

[Club]

Sabres can’t miss lately when it comes to drafting. Some luck but holy smokes they’re building a powerhouse of prospects.

Another great addition.

As Pierre McGuire said last draft. Along with guys that are already on the roster...

"Their building an arsenal of forwards in Buffalo that is pretty scary"

Love it.

 

[paulmm3]

Love it. Love the tenacity, hockey IQ, and chemistry with Savoie but clearly BPA is the biggest thing for me. Averaging rankings of 15 or so scouting services Benson comes out at number 6 overall and getting him at 13 is an absolute steal.

 

[Tachycineta]

Every time I see his name, I keep thinking of "Part of this world." Yes, I know why lol.

I'm thrilled with this pick because of his intelligence and is fiercely competitive. Happy to have him on board.