The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Zach Benson to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Friday.
Buffalo selected Benson with the 13th-overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft in June. He is the second member of the Sabres' 2023 draft class to sign his entry-level contract after Anton Wahlberg inked his deal July 14.
The 18-year-old tallied 36 goals, 62 assists, and 98 points in 60 games with the Winnipeg ICE during the 2022-23 campaign, establishing career highs in every offensive category. He finished third among WHL skaters in points while ranking second in the league with a plus-68 rating.
Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and his amateur scouting staff had Benson placed high up on their list at the draft but were unsure if he would be available at pick 13. When they saw how things were playing out, Adams knew it was a special scenario.
"We felt that this player has the upside that often you don't get at that spot in the draft," Adams said. "The way the list was falling, we were starting to get pretty excited this player might be there for us. So, we're excited to welcome Zach, and I guess we like Winnipeg kids."
Video: Zach Benson on being drafted by the Sabres
Benson formed a dynamic duo in Winnipeg with Sabres prospect Matt Savoie, who Buffalo selected with the ninth-overall pick in last year's draft. The pair combined for 74 goals, 119 assists and 193 points this past season, leading the team offensively and on both the penalty kill and power-play units.
"Me and Sav (Savoie) played the whole year together on the same line," Benson said after Round 1 of the draft. "Now to be sharing the same NHL jersey, it's pretty amazing and I'm looking forward to it."
Playing alongside Savoie, the organization's scouts and player development coaches had plenty of opportunities to watch Benson on the ice. After these games, the internal staff agreed that Benson was frequently the best player on the ice.
"There's just certain kids that give you this feel that they're a hockey player," Adams said. "They're just winners and they have such a desire to play the game and compete. He checked all those boxes.
"… I just think if you can add talented, passionate people that just believe that playing in the National Hockey League is a privilege and honor and will do whatever they can to achieve success, it's a great place to start. Zach certainly has that."
The Chilliwack, British Columbia native identified his skill, competitiveness and strong hockey IQ as attributes that make him a strong fit for the organization. He also stressed his willingness to go to the dirty areas on the ice, which Adams echoed at the draft.
Video: MIC'D UP: Development Camp
"He has no problem competing and getting to the inside," Adams said. "He's a really intelligent player. There are times when he'll slow things down and then he'll speed it up. He can change the pace, but he's fearless. He plays a hard game."
Benson made his first appearance in a Sabres uniform at development camp in early July. On the final day of camp, the prospects were split into three teams for a 3v3 competition. Benson's team, Team Robert, took home the win and was awarded a trophy at the conclusion of the event.
"It was obviously really cool to play in front of such passionate fans," Benson said. "I've kind of soaked everything in. I love the city of Buffalo and I'm getting used to it. It's really cool to learn about."
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