With the 2023 NHL Draft less than 2 weeks away, many teams should have a good idea on who they decide to pass on and who to take.
Last week teams met with prospects at the NHL combine and meetings prior, meaning most if not all teams should have a good idea of who each individual player is and how they can contribute to their team.
Zach Benson out of Langley, BC, has peaked the interest of multiple teams in the top 10. He is expected to go anywhere from 5-7th overall.
Player Information:
2022-23 Team: Winnipeg ICE
Date of Birth: May 12, 2005
Age: 18
Place of Birth: Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 159 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: C/LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2023
Draft Rankings:
NHL Central Scouting: 6th (amongst NA skaters)
TSN/McKenzie: 5th
Elite Prospects: 5th
Sportsnet: 6th
Brotherly Puck: 7th
The BC native could be one of the most promising players out of his draft class.
He was second in WHL scoring amongst draft-eligible players behind some kid named Connor Bedard. In 60 games played the 18-year-old put up 36 goals and 62 assists for a total of 98 points. Which would have been good enough to be the first overall pick in the three previous draft classes.
With the window to be like Zach Hyman and the ceiling of Mitch Marner, Benson plays a complete 200 foot game. He will always jump in to support his defensive, and it’s like he has eyes in the back of his head. Always has his eye on the puck, even when it’s behind him. Benson is a very competitive and energized player and uses his small 5-foot-10 frame to the best of his ability. Despite his size the C/LW isn’t afraid to battle in the corners and get dirty if need be.
Jamey Baskow of Nitty Gritty, a well credited journalist believes the Flyers should draft Zach Benson saying, “I really hope Zach Benson drops to Flyers at 7. Kid is a phenomenal passer with good vision of the ice. Plus he fits Torts’s style of playing a 200ft game, he’s an excellent player on the defensive side of the puck. He can score, and Flyers fans love a player that can score.”
Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff spoke about the youngster and mentioned his size and how Zach uses it well: “He’s only 5-foot-10, but he’s strong, has a great release and his shift-to-shift effort level will never waver. Benson’s going to be a big-time play driver.”
Adding to his resume, Benson is an elite passer with cat like reflexes. He can make crisp 10 foot passes seamlessly from almost anywhere on the ice, reads plays remarkably well. Making him one of the smartest players in the 2023 draft class, Zach can easily turn a play around with his strong hockey IQ and talent and changes the game in the blink of an eye.
When you see a player like Benson you expect him to be extremely fast, but he struggles in that area a bit. Zach isn’t slow per say but when it comes down to it he is see as average. He doesn’t blow by defenders like a Connor McDavid type, but he knows how to manoeuvre around to make up for his lost time. Zach knows how to get around the ice undetected, opening up the slot for high-dangerous chances. When it comes to his edge work, it is phenomenal. Being able to stop on a dime and turn the other way is a hard thing to do, yet Benson has mastered it using it effectively to turn plays around. Zach Benson is truly deadly with the puck on his stick doesn’t matter if it’s even strength or special team situations. Benson is a very skilled playmaker and can find the open man at any given time. He has a very elite level hockey IQ — the only down grade to the 18-year-old is his range.
As a playmaker, Benson has a pass first mindset so his shot isn’t as good when it comes to power or range. In order to reach an NHL level calibre shot, Zach will have to work extremely hard this off season and into the fall. As well working with AHL/NHL level coaches. The majority of Benson’s goals come with in close quarters, either it be a tap-in or a rebound. It will be interesting to see how he reacts and adapts from WHL to NHL. Benson needs to improve his shot range and strength in order for him to be dangerous from all areas of the ice.
Overall, Zach Benson has a dangerous arsenal with the opportunity to be a young star in the NHL. He may just need to keep improving some areas of his game.
brotherlypuck.com 