Buffalo Sabres 75 Bold Predictions for 2023-24: Prediction 44

Zach Benson quickly became one of the Buffalo Sabres top, if not the top prospect. And today, we get bold projecting his 2023-24 season.

Barring more than a few injuries, a stellar camp, and an outstanding preseason, Buffalo Sabres prospect Zach Benson will spend the entire year playing for the Wenatchee Wild. But that’s okay, as the Blue and Gold have enough talent at forward for prospects like Benson and teammate Matt Savoie to continue developing in the junior leagues.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t get bold predicting the 13th overall pick’s season, even if he’s playing three time zones away. If you paid any attention to Benson’s preseason with the Wild, it’s safe to say he’s been .

From his Tage Thompson-like moves to his game-winning hat trick just one day before this writing, Benson has already been a revelation to the fans in Wenatchee. And he’s just getting started, so let’s get bold with what we can expect from the Sabres prospect in 2023-24.

Buffalo Sabres fans may need to tune into a few Wenatchee Wild games…

Long story short, Zach Benson is going to put on quite a show this year in Wenatchee. Last year, Benson scored 98 points in 60 contests, plus 17 points in 15 playoff games, and he’s just now getting started on taking over games.

This year, I’m giving Benson 56 games at the WHL level. And since I’m going bold, he will top the century mark – with 42 goals and 59 assists for a total of 101 points. This gives the winger 1.78 points per game, roughly 0.15 more points per game than last season.

Will Benson’s performance give him a trial in the NHL this season? Unless the injury bug hits the Sabres and Amerks, don’t expect it. But don’t be surprised when he suits up for a pair of games in the Calder Cup Playoffs, much like Matt Savoie did last year.

Also like Savoie, Benson’s eventual appearance in the playoffs will give him a taste of what the next level looks like. It will also hand the 18-year-old a measuring stick on what he needs to work on for the 2024-25 season when he likely again plays in the WHL.

This isn’t to say Benson won’t find himself in the NHL. But considering the number of prospects in the system who could be ready in 2024-25, he’s still likely the odd man out for another year.

(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)