Buffalo Sabres: We need to have a conversation about Zach Benson

The Buffalo Sabres look like they hit a ringer when they drafted Zach Benson with the 13th overall pick, as he was awesome yet again.

In Sunday’s win over the Washington Capitals, Zach Benson impressed just about everyone, including myself. This came after the Buffalo Sabres prospect enjoyed a tremendous Prospects Challenge, so you would think that, at some point, he would toil through a couple of obstacles, right?

Well, Benson did have one bad giveaway and he also committed a penalty while the Blue and Gold were on the power play. But other than that, he played arguably his best game yet, and it started when he found Jeff Skinner on the power play during the first period.

But Benson did more than just score an assist; it seemed like every time someone on Boston passed the puck across the ice, he charged into the frame and made a living breaking up plays, poking at the puck, and even forechecking.

Oh, and you can’t forget about that sensational puck retrieval in the first period. For a kid who has only played in a pair of preseason games vs. NHL-caliber talent, Benson gets an A++ for more than just a good effort.

Buffalo Sabres got something phenomenal brewing in Zach Benson

Sure, it’s only been a pair of preseason games, and no, at this point, I’m not putting Benson in with the big club just yet. But really, why spoil the fun here? He showed off outstanding puck control and drove the play so well that it forced Boston Bruins players to key on him all game.

This is something you don’t often see from an 18-year-old kid who can definitely put on more size and strength without losing his speed. But his overall tenacity, on-ice awareness, and fearless play have won over the fanbase, and it’s a testament to just how well general manager Kevyn Adams has drafted since he landed the job.

If Benson keeps this up, then maybe he gets a trial at least. And if he ends up back in the WHL, which is still the likeliest scenario, then expect the kid to just put on a highlight-reel season.