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Zach Benson Scouting Reports

Reports: 4
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The Pro Hockey Group
Note: Reports prior to Sept 2023 were originally graded out of ten, and also included additional categories that have been merged into the current categories.
This likely results in the overall ratings prior to 2023 being decreased in comparison to reports since Sept 2023.

For an `Apples to Apples` comparison between players, we recommend only comparing reports before, or after, Sept 2023.
Results will average out accordingly as more data is accumulated.
Events

Most Recent Report Summary

Talent Type: Professional
Position scouted: Left Wing
Age when scouted: 18
Projection: Second Line
Trending: Under NHL Contract
Birthday: May 12, 2005
Height: 5' 10 | 178 cm
Weight: 170 lbs | 77 kg
Drafted: 13 overall, 2023 round 1 (Logo of the Buffalo Sabres BUF)

PROGRESSION

Reports

Report #4

Oct. 21, 2023 (Updated Oct. 23, 2023)
Contract: $4,800,000 over 3 years (Cap hit: $950,000)
Position scouted: Left Wing
Age when scouted: 18
81
L2
Projection: Second Line
Trending: Under NHL Contract
Earned a roster spot with the Sabres out of training camp.
In 4GP he has averaged 14:12 TOI - 12:49 ES - 1:21 PP
Undersize, skilled playmaker who drives offense through the neutral zone. His approach isn't simply on straight lines. He will move laterally to open up space and different angles, making him more difficult to defend. Equal parts shooter / distributor.
Competitive. Difference maker. A potential 1F as he develops. Certainly a 2F. Just scratching the surface.
Stats Powered by Elite Prospects
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAP+/-PIM
2023-24Buffalo SabresNHL71111930-336
2022-23Wenatchee WildWHL603662986849
2022-23Canada U18Hlinka Gretzky Cup5257-2
2021-22Wenatchee WildWHL582538634028
  • Compete/Consistency: 88
  • Defensive Zone Starts: 70
  • Hockey IQ: 90
  • Offensive Zone Starts: 90
  • Penalty Kill: 0
  • Power Play: 89
  • Physicality: 35
  • Puck Moving/Passing: 92
  • Shot: 82
  • Skating: 80

Report #3

May 2, 2023 (Updated Jun. 13, 2023)
Position scouted: Left Wing
Age when scouted: 17
B+
T3
Projection: Top Three
Trending: Up
Elite offensive talent - competes - produced to his identity throughout the year
Elusive in small areas / makes plays along the wall and in traffic - goes to the front of the net off the puck looking for tips / setting screens
On the PP he makes plays from the weak side flank.
Trusted to be used in all situations and take first and last shifts of periods.
Never goes away.
Impressive talent who has top line NHL scoring upside and doesn't cheat the game.
Stats Powered by Elite Prospects
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAP+/-PIM
2022-23Wenatchee WildWHL603662986849
2022-23Canada U18Hlinka Gretzky Cup5257-2
2021-22Wenatchee WildWHL582538634028
2020-21Wenatchee WildWHL24101020812
  • Compete/Consistency: 70
  • Defensive Zone Starts: 70
  • Hockey IQ: 80
  • Penalty Kill: 60
  • Power Play: 90
  • Physicality: 47
  • Puck Moving/Passing: 90
  • Shot: 90
  • Skating: 80

Report #2

Jan. 25, 2023 (Updated Feb. 7, 2023)
Position scouted: Left Wing
Age when scouted: 17
A-
T3
Projection: Top Three
Trending: Up
An elite offensive talent who sees the entire landscape of the ice surface with the puck on his stick
Equal parts shooter - playmaker -
Threat off the rush - exceptionally difficult to contain in small areas
Hockey IQ to be used in all situations - tenacious when he doesn't have the puck - creates turnovers - size will be the discussion but he has proven, so far, it won't be a concern
Stats Powered by Elite Prospects
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAP+/-PIM
2022-23Wenatchee WildWHL603662986849
2022-23Canada U18Hlinka Gretzky Cup5257-2
2021-22Wenatchee WildWHL582538634028
2020-21Wenatchee WildWHL24101020812
  • Compete/Consistency: 80
  • Defensive Zone Starts: 80
  • Hockey IQ: 83
  • Penalty Kill: 70
  • Power Play: 90
  • Physicality: 60
  • Puck Moving/Passing: 90
  • Shot: 90
  • Skating: 87

Report #1

Oct. 1, 2022 (Updated Oct. 4, 2022)
Position scouted: Left Wing
Age when scouted: 17
B+
T6
Projection: Top Six
Trending: Up
Infectious player who brings high end energy, compete, detail, and offense.
Can be deployed in all situations.
Hounds pucks up ice on the forecheck. Quick to space. Creates turnovers.
Quick release from the flank or middle of the ice on the PP.
Off the rush he is a threat to drive wide with his speed and make plays to the net.
As he matures he will add strength. Elite player. Trending up. Could be top line NHL forward.
Stats Powered by Elite Prospects
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAP+/-PIM
2022-23Wenatchee WildWHL603662986849
2022-23Canada U18Hlinka Gretzky Cup5257-2
2021-22Wenatchee WildWHL582538634028
2020-21Wenatchee WildWHL24101020812
  • Compete/Consistency: 70
  • Defensive Zone Starts: 70
  • Hockey IQ: 80
  • Penalty Kill: 70
  • Power Play: 80
  • Physicality: 63
  • Puck Moving/Passing: 80
  • Shot: 80
  • Skating: 90
Weighting
  • 20%: Compete/Consistency, Hockey IQ, Skating
  • 12%: Puck Moving/Passing
  • 8%: Shot
  • 4%: Defensive Zone Starts, Offensive Zone Starts, Penalty Kill, Power Play, Physicality