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

[start winnin]

If everyone on this team played with the same courage and fearlessness as Benson we would easily be a playoff team. The smallest player on the team is one of the few players I never question in terms of effort, motor or heart.

 

[Jim Bob]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5946697/2024/11/26/zach-benson-buffalo-sabres-danny-gare/

“Similarities? Well I look at, good looking, lots of hair and a British Columbia boy,” Gare said with a laugh. “No, he’s a feisty kid, protects the puck well, very smart, the hockey IQ is high. I like him. He’s got good upside and he’s not afraid to get his nose dirty.

These days, you don’t see a lot of players compared to those from the ’70s and ’80s. The game has changed in a lot of ways. But Benson is a throwback because of the way he competes at his size. He wins 50-50 battles against much bigger players, always finds his way to the front of the net and isn’t afraid to mix it up after the whistle.

“I take pride in that,” Benson said. “I’ve been like that since I was a young, young guy. I’ve always loved getting in the middle of things and just being a s— disturber. I’ve loved it since I was young. I would say it’s more natural than anything.”

 

[Jacob582]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5946697/2024/11/26/zach-benson-buffalo-sabres-danny-gare/

It's good that he didn't stop being a s- disturber as a teenager in the NHL.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

Heard this morning while on a delivery Benson is 13th in overall Corsi for forwards in the league over the last 15 games I think.

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[toddkaz]

Two things interesting, one is that Joker mentions Benson's high IQ which it makes you wonder if this is a topic of discussion within the team about how dumb some players on this team are and second, even though Benson is only 19 and in his 2nd season he seems very active verbally with the other guys which is fun and cool to see.

 

[toddkaz]

What are people's thoughts on sending Benson to the AHL next year?

Probably an unpopular opinion but it feels like he is kind of stuck in no mans land. He development has stalled a bit.

Not playing good enough to be a top 6 and wasted on the 4th line.

There are times where I feel like a stint in the AHL would have done him wonders but unable to play there. He needs to develop his offensive game further.

I doubt he ever sees the AHL but his offense could really blossom there. He is only 19 and is eligible to play there next year.

His ice time in last 3 games 12:39, 10:56, 13:54 and has 1 point in his last 6 games and 4 points in his last 13.

 

[Beerz]

What are people's thoughts on sending Benson to the AHL next year?

Probably an unpopular opinion but it feels like he is kind of stuck in no mans land. He development has stalled a bit.

Not playing good enough to be a top 6 and wasted on the 4th line.

There are times where I feel like a stint in the AHL would have done him wonders but unable to play there. He needs to develop his offensive game further.

I doubt he ever sees the AHL but his offense could really blossom there. He is only 19 and is eligible to play there next year.

His ice time in last 3 games 12:39, 10:56, 13:54 and has 1 point in his last 6 games and 4 points in his last 13.

If Ruff is going to continue his shenanigans with strapping him to the 4th line in favor of someone like Krebs than yeah send him to AHL if it's even possible.

 

[toddkaz]

If Ruff is going to continue his shenanigans with strapping him to the 4th line in favor of someone like Krebs than yeah send him to AHL if it's even possible.

He is 20 next year, I am pretty sure he is eligible. I only brought it up cause Benson is just wasting away on the 4th line getting 12 minutes a game.