Buffalo Sabres top scorer Tage Thompson has a lot to say about teammate Zach Benson, who was an integral part of the club's playoff success as a lightning rod on the ice, and a subject of playful ridicule off the ice. 

"(Zach) is one of the dumbest guys of all time, in the best way possible," Thompson said to USA gold medal teammates Brady and Matthew Tkachuk on their podcast. "Which is why I think he's suchn a good hockey player. He has zero fear and the most confidence ever." 

The 21-year-old scored a career-high 43 points (13 goals, 30 assists) in 65 games during the regular season, and five goals in 13 playoff games, along with 64 penalty minutes. His central role in the postseason gave impetus to Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen to lock up the feisty winger on a seven-year contract extension after the season, but his presence in the locker room is just as important. 

Teammates were often seen wearing T-shirts with quotes from Benson during the season, and according to Thompson, the youngster is an important glue guy. 

"He'll say things in the locker room, and you'll just shake your head," Thompson said. "He's just a riot to be around, he's like one of the guys when you walk into the locker room and he always has something going. whether it's a conspiracy, a hot take, and it's just outrageous to listen to him. It's always a conversation starter for our group."