Next up in the draft rankings is one of the most underrated prospects in this year’s draft, Zach Benson. Like many other players in this draft, any other year we’re probably talking about Benson as a top three pick.
In his third season with the Winnipeg Ice, Benson was third in the WHL in scoring, recording 98 points in just 60 games. His season is not over, however, as his team is currently in the WHL finals against the Seattle Thunderbirds. So far this postseason in 13 games he has amassed seven goals and 10 assist for 17 points.
Pre Draft Rankings
No. 5 by TSN/Bob McKenzie
No. 5 by Elite Prospects
No. 5 by Sportsnet
No. 5 by FC Hockey
No. 6 by Central Scouting (North American skaters)
Statistics
What’s to like
The biggest positive in Benson’s game is his mind and awareness. He is able to see the game in a different way than most other players, allowing him to think two or three plays ahead of his competitors. His hockey IQ not only helps him on offense, but also on the defensive end where he is able to break up the passing lanes and pick the pocket of his opponents, leading to odd-man rushes.
Additionally, he has good puck-handling skills, and has a knack for side stepping his defenders. He makes up for his size with his competitiveness, speed, and high motor. He wins a lot of board battles and loose puck races not by pure strength, but by using his speed and elusiveness to avoid defenders which is very evident in his highlight package.
What’s not to like
The one thing that is a little worrisome at the NHL level for Benson is his size and strength. At just 5-9 and 159 pounds, he will need to gain a lot of muscle, and spend a little time in the AHL before he is ready for the physicality of the NHL. Seeing as the Flyers are not looking to rush this rebuild, I do not see this being issue should they draft him at number seven.
How would he fit in the Flyers’ system?
Benson would be a tremendous addition to the Flyers’ lineup, as I believe there are a few different ways they could implement him. If he plays center, he has the potential to be one of the better two way centers in the league. If they play him primarily on the left wing, I really think he has all the tools to be a point per game player, and possibly have a few 100 point seasons. There is a lot of promise to Benson’s game, and the fact that he can be so versatile in the way teams use him makes him that much more valuable in my eyes.
Can the Flyers actually get him?
Obviously this year’s draft is pretty set as far as the first two picks, but the rest of the draft is kind of a crap shoot. I do think there is a chance that Benson could fall to the Flyers. Most scouts have him going somewhere in the 5-7 range putting the Flyers right at the edge. He’s a bit undersized which still seems be a factor that can impact a teams decision when deliberating on a few players.
What the scouts are saying
“He’s got a ton of skill and creativity, being a true offensive threat anytime he’s near the puck in the offensive zone. Benson lacks ideal size at 5-foot-9, but he plays hard, getting his nose dirty and winning more battles than you’d expect.” – Corey Pronman, The Athletic
“Benson is one of the smartest players in the 2023 draft class; he scans frequently in all three zones, processes the information he gathers with impressive quickness, and executes upon those reads with great precision.”– Sebastian High, Dobber Prospects
“The Winnipeg Ice fireplug sub-6-foot winger is a high-energy, hard-driving, in-your-face player. He’s not a pretty skater but he more than gets there, and when he does, he has the ability to score, make plays, and be a disruptive influence.”– Bob McKenzie, TSN
One more addition to the poll today, and we’re finally going to present the temptation to grab a defenseman. Can you believe it!
[David] Reinbacher’s got pro size, desired handedness, and a really strong foundation of tools that all but guarantee he’ll become an NHLer. I expect he’ll be the first defenceman picked when all is said and done, and it sounds like he’ll go as high as the top 10 (which I wouldn’t scoff at). Reinbacher’s a solid forward and backward skater (though he can look a little stilted at times) who gaps well and defends the rush effectively with a noticeably long stick. – Scott Wheeler, The Athletic.
Who should be No. 7 on the Community Draft Board
Previously on the 2023 Community Draft Board…
- Connor Bedard
- Adam Fantilli
- Matvei Michkov
- Leo Carlsson
- Will Smith
- Zach Benson
- …
