2025 Buffalo Sabres Player Report Card: Zach Benson

Solid Sophomore Season, More Production Will Come

Total Season Stats: 10 G, 18 A, 28 pts -2 in 75 games

Age: 19

Contract Status: Signed through 2025-26, $950,000 Cap Hit, RFA at the start of the 2026-27 season

It is hard to believe that Zachary Ruben Benson does not turn 20 years old until next month. The 13th overall pick in 2023 now has two full NHL seasons under his belt. We have seen flashes of his skill but so far his production has been minimal, yet expected from a teenager. A kid who earned his way into the NHL at just 18, despite reservations from fans and NHL insiders. Some of the Buffalo brass may have even had their doubts. But he made it and has made an impression along the way. How so with low production? I will tell you how. Zach Benson is all heart. He is tenacious, hard working and completely fearless out there. He never takes a shift off and his effort level is off the charts. When Taz’s offense kicks in over the next few seasons, many will be swept up in his whirlwind appeal as a player.

Here are his stats so far through two seasons:

2023-24 GP 71 G 11 A 19 PTS 30 -3

2024-25 GP 75 G 10 A 18 PTS 28 -2

As you can see, he had the slightest drop off in his sophomore season, as many do. But all his intangibles kicked it up a notch. Benny plays the game like he is 7 feet tall. He battles in the corners, he goes to the net, he comes to the defense of his teammates. His attitude outweighs his actual body, tenfold. The kid has game and when his offensive production catches up to the rest of him, look out.

Zach does have some things to work on. He takes too many penalties for starters. Though, (as we have all seen) many of them barely registered as an infraction. So it’s not all on him. I don’t think I will ever forget that vicious “cross check” he was called for earlier in the season. Three people getting on an elevator have more contact. But until Benson establishes a better relationship with the referees in the league, he needs to watch himself. Also, he did take a slight step back in his offensive stat line this season. But his unleashed talent combined with his relentless work ethic will make him a force to be reckoned with. I think 45 points is an achievable goal for Taz in 2025-26. I also feel he will become a regular 60 point player when it is all said and done. Benson has a bright future in the NHL, let us hope it is with the Buffalo Sabres for a long, long time.

In grading Zach Benson, it is key to look at the whole package and not just his stat line. He has the heart of a lion and a high effort level. He literally is fearless out there. But we would all like to see him cash in more on the score sheet. Then again we all need to remember he is still just 19 years old for a few more weeks. Expectations will be met with this kid in the not so distant future. It sure will be fun to watch when it happens.

Grade: B