The Buffalo Sabres had a season to remember in 2025-26. The biggest thing to happen was the end of their record playoff drought, something fans have been dreaming about for years. They even won a playoff series to boot, and came within one goal of the Eastern Conference Final.
One of the biggest factors to that success was winger Zach Benson. Signing him to a contract extension was one of the biggest offseason moves for the Sabres, and for good reason. What we have already seen has been magnificent, but this coming season should be Benson’s true arrival among the game’s elite.
Taking on a bigger role for the Sabres
Everyone knew it was coming but it felt a little surreal when winger Alex Tuch was finally moved as part of a sign-and-trade with the Washington Capitals. It will leave a sizable gap that the Sabres need to fill if they are going to return to the playoffs for the second season in a row.
Part of filling that gap will be relying on young players to replace the 33 goals that walked out the door with Tuch. Some of that production should come with further offensive growth and a larger role from Benson.
Benson will definitively be on one of the top two lines next season. It would be ideal to see him return to a line with Josh Doan on the opposite wing, especially given the impact the duo had in the playoffs. Any way you slice it, he will no doubt get a bump in ice time and role.
Underlying numbers support offensive growth in Buffalo
In 2025-26, the undersized forward came in at 0.66 points per game, which equates to 54 points over 82 games. He can help make up for the defensive side of Tuch’s game, especially since he dominates one-on-one battles, plays with a nonstop motor, and is a major disruptor.
What is really promising are the underlying numbers in terms of play-driving. When he was on the ice in five-on-five shifts, the Sabres outscored the opposition 47-27. Having that kind of impact is outstanding; having it as a 20-year-old is outright nuts.
He has also shown steady growth throughout his three seasons in the NHL. The uptick is moderate — 10 goals to 13, 28 points to 43 — but it is definitely positive that he did it in 10 fewer games. With a bigger role and the natural growth that comes with more experience, he could safely hit the 60-point mark or better with realistic expectations.
Why Benson will join the game’s elite
If Benson gets to ride shotgun with Tage Thompson, his numbers could take off in a huge way. Benson plays with a relentless, rat-like attitude, perfect for doing the work and feeding one of the game’s true snipers in Thompson.
Even if he doesn’t play with Thompson, there is so much talent in Buffalo’s top six that it feels like 60 points is a safe bet. If everything comes together, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to see him go above 75 points or more.
Watching Benson, he shows elite playmaking ability. He has a keen sense for where his linemates are, highlighted by some deft passes that led directly to goals in the playoffs.
Now, we get to see Benson take that momentum and three seasons of experience and turn it loose on the NHL. In a season where there will be doubt about the team’s playoff chances in a loaded Eastern Conference, it feels like the kind of season in which Benson gives the doubters the metaphorical finger and elevates his game to a new level.
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