Sabres sign 2023 first-round pick to entry-level contract

The 5-foot-10, 159-pound forward notched a team-leading 98 points (36 goals, 62 assists) in 60 games with the Winnipeg Ice this past season. He was second in the Western Hockey League (WHL) scoring race amongst draft-eligible players, trailing only Connor Bedard. Benson finished third among WHL skaters in points while ranking second in the league with a +68 rating. During the Ice’s postseason run, he registered 17 points in 15 games. During the 2021-22 postseason, he tallied 23 points in 15 games.

“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.”

“There are just certain kids that give you this feel that they’re a hockey player,” Adams said, via the team's website. “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.”