Zach Benson

Zach Benson

20-Year-Old Left WingLW
Buffalo Sabres
Day-To-Day
Injury Face
Est. Return 10/13/2025
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Benson’s sophomore season ended up being similar to his rookie campaign. He had 10 goals, 28 points, 60 PIM, 120 shots and 35 hits across 75 outings with the Sabres in 2024-25. Make note of that low hit total -- he might get into trouble, but if your league doesn’t count PIM, then he won’t provide you with versatility. The 20-year-old does have untapped offensive potential, though, and it’s conceivable that he ends up playing a bigger role this campaign. While he averaged 14:49 of ice time overall in 2024-25, he logged 16:05 per game over the final 14 contests. In particular, he might end up finding himself playing with Tage Thompson, which would naturally be a great assignment. Keep an eye on Benson’s use during training camp and early in the season because, under the right circumstances, Benson might jump to 40 or so points in 2025-26. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Buffalo in July of 2023.
Not playing Saturday
LWBuffalo Sabres
Face
October 10, 2025
Benson (face) has been ruled out of Saturday's road tilt in Boston.
ANALYSIS
Benson suffered a facial cut that required a stay at the hosptal. The 20-year-old was selected 13th overall in 2023 and is seen as a rising star with the Sabres. He had 10 goals and 18 assists across 75 regular-season appearances in 2024-25. He could return as early as Monday when Colorado comes to town.
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NHL Stats
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2025 NHL Game Log
2025
2024
2023
2025 NHL Game Log
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2024 NHL Game Log
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2023 NHL Game Log
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2025–26 Time On Ice Stats
 
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2023–24
14:31
1:04
0:46
2024–25
14:49
1:25
0:54
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Zach Benson See More
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Zach Benson See More
2024 Fantasy Outlook
Benson was far removed from the Calder Trophy conversation, but he had a decent rookie season in 2023-24, recording 11 goals, 30 points and 36 PIM across 71 outings with the Sabres. Selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Benson has a high skill ceiling. He'll likely see considerable time on the second line this season and get an uptick in average ice time compared to his 14:31 last year. That, combined with his continued development, might result in the 19-year-old forward flirting with the 50-point mark. Of course, betting on a sophomore taking a significant step forward always carries with it a degree of risk, so keep that in mind before drafting him.
More Fantasy News
In hospital for facial cut
LWBuffalo Sabres
Face
October 9, 2025
Benson did not play Thursday versus the Rangers because of a cut on his face that required hospitalization, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.
ANALYSIS
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Not in action Thursday
LWBuffalo Sabres
Undisclosed
October 9, 2025
Benson (undisclosed) won't suit up versus the Rangers on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
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Still out Friday
LWBuffalo Sabres
Undisclosed
October 3, 2025
Benson (undisclosed) will not be available against the Penguins on Friday, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.
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Dealing with minor ailment
LWBuffalo Sabres
Undisclosed
October 1, 2025
Head coach Lindy Ruff said Wednesday that Benson is dealing with a "little bit of an ailment" but downplayed the severity of the issue, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.
ANALYSIS
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Earns assist Saturday
LWBuffalo Sabres
April 5, 2025
Benson posted an assist, three shots on goal and two blocked shots in Saturday's 3-2 shootout win over the Lightning.
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
First chance at top line?
LWBuffalo Sabres
September 19, 2025
Benson has skated alongside Josh Norris and Tage Thompson early in training camp, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
That would be the de facto first line if the trio sticks together to start the regular season. Benson is already popular with Norris, with the latter saying, "He's extremely skilled, and he's one of those guys that can make a play happen out of nothing. He's really good in tight and just has a really good mind for the game and spatial awareness. He's a guy who is easy to read, and as a center, having a winger who can make the little, in-tight plays like that, it makes my job easier." Benson's offense took a slight dip in his second season, as he logged 28 points in 75 games in 2024-25, but that production came as a 19-year-old. Now at age 20, the winger's offense could take a significant step up, especially if he's playing in a more prominent role.
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