Perhaps Zach Benson doesn't need to score 30 goals to become one of the NHL's best wingers.
The Buffalo Sabres fan favorite is still dealing with some serious finishing woes — his 8.1 goals below expected so far this season represents the league's highest total, per Natural Stat Trick — but he's delivered high-end results in pretty much every other area.
That includes Benson's work as a transition play-creator, which has allowed him to rack up 13 assists (10 primary) through 18 games. Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic spotlighted that part of the 5-foot-10 forward's skill set on Thursday:
"A majority of those scoring chances off entries are created off Benson's playmaking ability and that's the big number: 6.0 rush passes per 60, the league's best mark. Last year that category was led by Leo Carlsson, Leon Draisaitl, Martin Necas, Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid. That's special company that Benson is joining."Dom Luszczyszyn on Zach Benson
The 21-year-old Canadian's vision is his greatest asset. His ability to read a play with a quick glance, and then putting himself in position to make a picture-perfect pass is a sight to behold. It leads to a steady stream of high-danger chances for an otherwise struggling Sabres offense.
That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Benson's impact, though.
He's a menace on the forecheck, isn't afraid to battle opponents along the wall or in front of the net despite usually being at a size disadvantage and his defensive-zone awareness has steadily improved across four seasons at hockey's highest level.
Norry x2! 🔥#LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/wbuV57sJ9y
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) November 7, 2026
Benson also loves playing the "rat" role. He's constantly trying to get under the opponent's skin, always skating away his a trademark grin on his face. That was on display a lot during the club's run to the second round of last season's playoffs.
The former junior standout with the WHL's Winnipeg Ice has truly become the complete package for Buffalo aside from not being able to light the lamp consistently.
Watch out if Benson ever eliminates that singular weakness.
Buffalo still needs another high-scoring offensive superstar
Even with Benson continuing to evolve into an all-around force and Jack Quinn taking his point production to new heights, the Sabres offense isn't dependable.
The Blue and Gold rank 20th in goals scored per game (2.94), which represents a significant decline from last season's breakthrough, when they finished fifth in the key category (3.45).
It's felt evident for a while now Buffalo needs a cornerstone first-line center. It's a pivotal void created when Jack Eichel has traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021. The organization has tried a variety of solutions over the past five years but none of them have worked.
Most often, the Sabres have pigeonholed Tage Thompson in the role. While he's been productive offensively, his combination of defensive deficiencies and faceoff problems make him far better suited to play on the wing permanently.
General manager Jarmo Kekalainen has tried to address the issue since taking over the front office last December, targeting the St. Louis Blues' Robert Thomas and Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin, but he's been unable to complete that type of blockbuster deal.
As a result, it just feels like something is missing for Buffalo. That vibe becomes even more intense after games like Wednesday night, which saw one of the NHL's most dominant players, Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov, completely overwhelm the Sabres en route to a hat trick in the Bolts' 8-3 blowout win.
If the reigning Atlantic Division champions want to remain among the league's elite for not only this season but also the years ahead, it's likely going to take a blockbuster acquisition.
We'll see if Kekalainen is up to the task.
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