Zach Benson - 2023 NHL Draft Player Profile

After meeting with prospects at the NHL combine and meetings prior, teams should have a good idea of each every individual and who they are closing in on.

Zach Benson out of Langley, BC, has peaked the interest of multiple teams in the top 10.

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

NHL Central Scouting: 6th (amongst NA skaters)
TSN/McKenzie: 5th
Elite Prospects: 5th
Sportsnet: 6th
The Hockey News: 9th

The BC native could end up being one of the top prospects among his draft class.
He was second in Western Hockey League (WHL) scoring amongst draft-eligible players behind none other then Connor Bedard. In 60 games the 18-year-old racked up 36 goals and 62 assists for 98 points. Which would have projected him to be the first overall pick in the three previous draft classes.

With the likes of a Mitch Marner / Zach Hyman like playing style, Benson plays a complete 200 foot game. He isn't afraid to jump into a play in support of the defensive, and he seems to know where the puck is at all times. He is a very competitive player and uses his small 5'10 frame well, which could really help improve a struggling organization. Despite his size the C/LW isn't afraid to battle in the corners and lay it all out on the ice every night.

Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff spoke about the young forward and mentioned his size and how Zach uses it to his ability: "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 credentials, Benson is an elite passer with incredible like reflexes. He can make crisp passes 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 and turn the tides in the blink of an eye.

Usually when you see a player like Benson you expect him to be extremely quick, but he isn't the fastest. He isn't slow by any means but when it comes down to it he is just average. He doesn't blow by defenders when skating at them, but he knows how to manoeuvre around them to make up for his lost speed. 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.

Writer: Dylan Robillard
Instagram: dyl2creative
Twitter: DylanRobillard_