18-year-old returning from injury has played six games this season
18-year-old returning from injury has played six games this season
Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato said that rookie forward Zach Benson will return to the lineup during the club’s three-game road trip to Winnipeg, Chicago and Washington starting on Friday, but when asked about whether the 18-year-old will be staying past the nine games when the youngster’s entry-level contract kicks in, Granato did not provide a definitive answer.
"There's a comfort level in what we've seen, but these three games will (have an) impact," Granato said. "(Zach) has done a nice job. We have that line in the sand at nine (games), where the decision has to be made. No decision has been made yet."
The Sabres rookie had two assists and averaged over 13 minutes in ice time in six games. Granato said previously that there was a belief in Benson’s two-way ability and compete level after training camp, which was the reason why the youngster was kept and played prior to his injury in late October. That confidence was not as high with 2021 top pick Matthew Savoie, who was sent back to the WHL last week after playing just five shifts in his NHL debut.
If the Sabres keep Benson past the nine-game mark, his availability to Team Canada for the upcoming World Junior Championships in Sweden will be in question.
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