5 – Zach Benson, F
And of course, we can’t forget about Zach Benson, who has already given us some razzle-dazzle in the WHL’s preseason. Benson was phenomenal during development camp, and logistically, I can see him taking over a game or two during the Prospects Challenge.
We may also see Benson line up alongside Matt Savoie, a teammate of his with the Winnipeg Ice (now the Wenatchee Wild). And if that’s the case, expect this dynamic duo to put on a show for the fans, and perhaps give them a taste of what they can expect when the mid-2020s roll around.
If Benson excels against some of the better prospects during the Challenge, it will entice more than a few fans to keep tabs on him throughout the 2023-24 season in Wenatchee. Such a performance will create some serious buzz moving forward as he embarks on a pro hockey journey that will eventually find him in a blue and gold uniform permanently.
Source: Sabres announce 2023 Prospects Challenge roster by Jourdon LaBarber, Sabres.com
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)