NHL Draft prospect report: Zach Benson

Zach Benson is a rising star in the world of hockey, and as the 2023 NHL draft approaches, many experts are predicting that he will be one of the most sought-after prospects.

Benson is a talented forward who currently plays for the Winnipeg Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He possesses a range of skills that have impressed scouts and analysts across the league. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of Benson's best attributes as a player.

What makes Zach Benson such a remarkable player? Here are just a few of his best attributes:

Speed

Zach Benson is an exceptional skater. He has great speed and agility on ice, which allows him to maneuver around defenders and create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.

His ability to change direction quickly and his excellent edgework make him a difficult player to defend against. His skating ability also allows him to be an effective penalty killer, as he can use his speed to pressure opposing players and create turnovers.

Playmaking ability

In addition to his skating, Zach Benson is an excellent playmaker. He has great vision on the ice and is able to make accurate passes to his teammates. He has a knack for finding open players and setting them up for scoring opportunities. His ability to read the play and make quick decisions with the puck makes him a valuable asset to any team's offense.

According to Tony Ferrari (Hockey News):

"Benson is manipulative, intelligent, and lethal with the puck on his stick. His playmaking ability is slick and precise, fitting passes through lanes as they develop."

Shooting

Zach Benson is also a strong scorer. He has a powerful shot, and is not afraid to use it from anywhere on ice. He has an accurate wrist shot, and can also get a lot of velocity on his slap shot. His ability to get his shot off quickly and his accuracy make him a dangerous scorer.

Physicality

One attribute that sets Zach Benson apart from other players is his physicality. He's not afraid to get involved in the physical aspects of the game and is willing to throw his body around to make plays. He's a strong player along the boards and can win battles for the puck. He also has a good understanding of defensive positioning and can use his size to effectively defend against opposing players.

Personal drive

Another strength of Zach Benson's game is his work ethic. He's a hard worker both on and off the ice and is always looking to improve his game. He's a team player who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. He's also a leader both on and off the ice and sets a positive example for his teammates.

Peter Baracchini (The Hockey Writers) said:

"He plays with a lot of energy as his motor never stops. He has a great work ethic, speed and hands to be extremely difficult to contain in the offensive zone.”

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Zach Benson is a highly skilled and talented player who has a bright future ahead of him in the NHL. Currently projected to the Vancouver Canucks at sixth overall, his skating ability, playmaking skills, scoring ability, physicality, work ethic, and hockey IQ make him an attractive prospect for any team in the league.

With his impressive range of skills and his dedication to the game, it's no surprise that he's a top prospect in the 2023 NHL draft.