Team: Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
D.O.B: May 12, 2005
Height: 5’10
Weight: 159 Ibs
Shoots : Left
Position: F
Introduction
The 2023 NHL draft class looks to boast a lot of offensive talent that would make tons of NHL GMs drool. It’s fair to say that the majority of this year’s crop came from the WHL, and I’m not surprised one bit. Aside from the obvious projected number one pick, Connor Bedard leading the 2023 WHL player crop & league with 39 pts in 18 games, most people are massively overlooking winger Zachary Benson of the Winnipeg Ice. Zach starting off potted 10 goals and 16 assists in 19 games, and is on pace for 93 points in 68 games this season so far. That might not look like top 5 pick worthy numbers, but when you watch him play, you can see that he possesses excellent hockey IQ, good playmaking ability, and smart stick play that make him a valuable asset.
Skating Ability
When you are looking at an undersized forward like Benson, you would want him to be speedy and agile in order to compensate for lack of height, but I don’t really see that from Benson. Benson is not a slow skater by any means when it comes to straight line speed, he’s just average, so he doesn’t really blow past WHL defenders when driving to the net. Although, he might not be the fastest, he usually compensates by finding open spots of ice that is uncovered by opposing defenders to get into high-danger opportunities. When it comes to his edge-work & Crossovers, he uses them very effectively. He’s able to fool defensemen and opposing forwards just by using his body to deceive them, this is especially important when he has possession with the puck on the boards or behind the net either on 5v5 or special teams situations. In conclusion, Benson’s skating needs a bit tweaking but has the tools to be an eilte-level skater in the NHL if he gets the proper development necessary to improve this aspect of his game.
Offensive Ability
Playmaking & Stickhandling
Zach Benson is one of the most dangerous players in the WHL currently, and showcase lots of his offensive skillset whenever he gains possession of the puck in the offensive zone. let’s start off with his playmaking ability since that’s where he excels at the most. Currently this season, he has 16 assists, which made up of 8 primary assist and 8 secondary assist. Whenever he going in the offensive zone for entry, he banks on a quick give’ n go with his linemates in order to gain momentum into the zone in contrast of just dumping it in or keeping possession. In the offensive zone, Benson on the rush is extremely lethal as he finds when his winger is open & feeds them the puck on the tape as quickly and accurately as possible. On powerplay situation, he’s very valuable as he facilitates most of the offense opportunities with his deception with the puck.
Benson stickhandling is very solid as he leaves defenders in the dark on what he’s going to do with the puck next, causing misdirection among opposing dman. With his silky hands, he’s able the create passing lanes and create scoring chances in result. In conclusion for this section, Benson is a very skilled playmaker with a knack for finding teammates open in dangerous opportunities to score using his high level hockey IQ and his stickhandling toolset.
“Benson is nearly impossible puck and dictates play at a high level. In almost every game I’ve seen Benson play in, he looks like he’s on a different level than the competition with the way he weaves in the offensive zone and shields the puck his sturdy stance. Benson is a great distributor on the PP as displayed at the Hlinka this summer when he repeatedly set up his teammates for one-timers” – Kaeden, NCR Hockey
Shooting
So, this is part of Benson game that needs work on the most. His shots aren’t very strong, and have no range, but I do think his shot will improve as he puts on more weight on his frame. Benson uses his hockey IQ and gets into open spaces to be in a position that not covered by defenders in order to even the odds for himself. The majority of his goals actually been in tight whether it be a tap-in on a 2-1 or a rebound while there’s a scramble in front. Sure, Benson might be able to score in high danger slots against goalies in the WHL, I’m not sure he will get that much space and time when he reaches pro hockey pace. Benson needs to improve his shot range and strength in order for him to be dangerous not just in front, but from the perimeter when he’s in situations when there’s no spots open net front.
Defensive Play
Benson in the defensive zone is reliable, and is someone that stands out. you can trust Benson on the penalty kill, and he gives you prime opportunity to create shorthanded goals. when it comes to his stick positioning, it’s always active, trying to pressure the puck carrier into giving up the puck or causing a turnover. he’s always putting his 100% when on the defensive zone, and contributes to most of the breakout movement for the ICE. Going back to Benson’s hockey IQ, he tries to put himself in passing lanes in order to intercept passes coming from opponents and create turnovers that way as well. To wrap things up in this section, Benson is a reliable, active forward in the defensive zone who’s very good at causing turnovers and getting the puck out of his zone into a fast-break the other way.
Conclusion
Overall, Zach Benson has the upside to become a bonafide winger in the NHL for whoever drafts him in this year’s NHL draft. I feel that Benson is just a few steps away from making a impact, but already shows glimpses with his offensive toolset such as his elite playmaking ablilty and his smooth deceptive hands. he’s also active and engaged in the defensive zone putting in his effort into retrieving the puck back from opposing players. I think Benson after he’s eventually drafted would be 1-2 years out from starting to push for an NHL job, if the team develops him right.
In my personal rankings, I have Benson at #5 as a good spot to put him. Recruit has him ranked 6th on our rankings.
All of the video used here are from instat.
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