Top 5 forwards the Buffalo Sabres must consider at 13th overall in 2023

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WINNIPEG, CANADA – FEBRUARY 01: Zach Benson #9 of the Winnipeg ICE celebrates his goal with teammates Matthew Savoie #93 and Connor McClennon #94 during third period action against the Saskatoon Blades at Wayne Fleming Arena on February 01, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images) /

3 – Zach Benson, Winnipeg Ice

Speaking of teammates, Zach Benson knows Matt Savoie quite well, so that’s the first enticing aspect of possibly picking the Winnipeg Ice product if he falls to 13th overall. But that’s a big if, considering the fact he’s a top ten player on most draft boards I’ve seen. There were numerous times when Benson overshadowed Savoie, as the following quote outlines:

"“Though an injury kept him out of the first round of the playoffs and allowed teammate Matt Savoie to really take over in the postseason, Benson was the best forward on arguably the CHL’s most talented team at forward this year.” – Scott Wheeler, via The Athletic"

Listen, I don’t care if Musty or Sale are there for the taking at 13th overall. If Benson, somehow, falls on Wednesday, the Buffalo Sabres need to turn in their draft card the second they’re on the clock. There is chemistry with Savoie, which is a huge plus, and there’s the possibility he’s the better overall product.

4 – Samuel Honzek, Vancouver Giants

Sometimes, lower-ranked prospects can creep up a draft board, and Samuel Honzek is one player I’ve had my eye on for a while. Wheeler has him ranked 25th, and the Elite Prospects Draft Guide has him sitting at 20th, so many will consider this one a reach should Adams take him.

But his size (6’4, 186 lb) jumps out, as does Honzek’s productivity, with 60 points in 47 regular season and playoff games. Best yet, 2022-23 was his first season in North America, and he made the transition with little to no growing pains, telling me he’s far from reaching his potential.

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