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Buffalo Sabres prospect strikes again with hat trick in Wild win

By Sion Fawkes

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 28: Zach Benson speaks to the media after being selected by the Buffalo Sabres with the 13th overall pick during round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 28: Zach Benson speaks to the media after being selected by the Buffalo Sabres with the 13th overall pick during round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) /
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It’s only preseason in the WHL, but don’t tell that to Buffalo Sabres prospect Zach Benson, who already looks like he’s in midseason form.

Just one night after channeling his inner-Tage Thompson, Zach Benson went off with yet another remarkable showing. Yesterday, he led the Wenatchee Wild to a come-from-behind victory against the Everett Silvertips, scoring a hat trick and the game-winning goal in overtime.

So far, Benson has played like a forward ready to at least test the AHL’s waters, but the current CHL-AHL agreement will prevent him from seeing time in Rochester until the WHL’s season ends. In the meantime, look for the 13th overall pick to enjoy at least another year dominating his WHL opponents, where he may once again team up with Buffalo’s 2022 first round pick, Matt Savoie.

Buffalo Sabres prospects may accomplish some special feats in WHL in 2023-24

Following my official pre-camp roster projection, I have Savoie slated to join Benson in the WHL this season. Savoie saw time in the Calder Cup Playoffs in the spring, and I have seen some projections in the past slating him to start the season in the Blue and Gold’s lineup.

However, this could be nothing more than a way to give the former ninth overall pick limited NHL/AHL experience before he reverts back to Wenatchee. Therefore, expect Savoie and Benson to connect once again in their WHL team’s new home, and prepare for quite a few highlight reel moments.

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They will generate some excitement and reassurance that, once a few of the Buffalo Sabres current forwards inevitably age out (like Jeff Skinner) or go elsewhere, they can be legitimate “next men up.” Keep an eye on Benson, as he will likely put up 100-plus points this year, and Savoie may not be too far behind him, even if he doesn’t immediately return to Wenatchee.

Source: Benson Posts Hat Trick as Wild Post 4-3 Comeback Win at Everett by CHL.ca

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