18-year-old winger will play his 10th game vs. Pittsburgh
The Buffalo Sabres informed rookie winger Zach Benson that he would be playing his 10th NHL game this season, something that the 18-year-old seemed to take in stride.
"My main focus is on tonight and how I can play my best game to help this team try to win a hockey game," Benson said. “Being a young guy, you can learn so much. I wouldn't say I had pressure before. I'm kind of a hockey nerd, so I love to learn as much as I can about the game and that's kind of what I'm doing."
Benson scored his first career goal was an impressive between-the-legs roof job past Washington goalie Darcy Kuemper, but according to Sabres head coach Don Granato, it was the consistent effort the the club’s 2023 top pick has put in that was the final determining factor.
"The attributes that he has have been shown for September, October and this month. That's a long time of consistency. There haven't been many down moments." Granato said. "He's fit in chemistry-wise with just about anybody he's played with. And that's a barometer showing that he has a high level of hockey sense."
While playing his 10th game signifies that Benson’s entry-level contract kicks in, it is not a guarantee that the youngster will remain with the Sabres for the rest of the season. It is still possible that the 18-year-old could be loaned to Team Canada for the upcoming World Junior Championships next month and his spot in the lineup may be in jeopardy when Tage Thompson and Jack Quinn return later in the season.
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