Zach Benson has been an optimal part of this Sabres rebuild the last few years, making his NHL debut at just 18 years old. Benson put up 36 points last season and is on pace for another 30-point season by the end of the year.
Besides the fact that Benson can be a key third-line forward for this team, his main strength is his physicality. Whenever there is extracurricular activity after the whistle, Benson finds himself in the middle of it.
Benson did a recent interview with NHL.com, and some of his answers tell you all you need to know about the 19-year-old.
“It’s part of my game, I get to the hard areas,” Benson said of his actions after the whistle. “I make it hard on opposing players. I try and get to the areas that they don’t want to defend.”
“Also, if I take a punch in the face, I want to punch someone else in the face.”
Benson has harped on the team's physicality this year, especially with the incident that happened against the Devils earlier this year when Stefan Noesen had a late hit on Tage Thompson.
No one came to the aid of Thompson, and many fans, reporters, and journalists called it an embarrassment.
The Sabres have been on red alert, as they have responded after recent physical hits. In games against the Bruins, Golden Knights, and Red Wings, a plethora of guys have been dropping the gloves.
It gives a new demeanor to the toughness of the Sabres and can help them build momentum for next season.
What’s next for Benson?
Benson is signed through next season with a small cap hit of 950k per season. With Benson’s offensive production and recent rise in physicality, he can be a solid player who would play on any line when the Sabres need him to.
Benson can be the next version of a guy like Jordan Greenway but with better offense, and a much cheaper cap hit. Benson has made the most of his time so far in Buffalo, and Lindy Ruff has used him as a utility guy throughout the year.
I think the Sabres cashed in by taking Benson in the first round in 2023, as he could be a big reason for the Sabres being a playoff contender in the future