Forward prospect was the No. 13 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft
The Buffalo Sabres announced Friday they have signed forward Zach Benson to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The Sabres selected Benson at No. 13 in the 2023 NHL Draft last month in Nashville. The contract carries a cap hit of $950,000 ($855,000 base salary, $95,000 signing bonus), per PuckPedia.com.
He’s the second member of Buffalo’s class this year to sign, after Anton Wahlberg (second round, No. 39) inked his deal on July 14.
Benson enjoyed a dominant season with the Winnipeg Ice last season, finishing third in the Western Hockey League with 98 points (36 goals, 62 assists) in 60 games, as a linemate of now fellow Sabres prospect Matt Savoie (No. 9, 2022). The 18-year-old added 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 15 playoff games in the Ice’s run to the WHL final.
Benson will get a taste of professional hockey life at training camp in September but is expected to return to junior hockey with the Wenatchee Wild, following the Ice’s relocation to Washington state last month. Should Savoie not crack the Sabres’ roster, he could join Benson on their junior squad to add to their already potent chemistry.
The duo will likely be in the mix of those vying for a spot to represent Canada at the 2024 World Junior Hockey Championship.
Benson has 181 points (71 goals, 110 assists) in 142 career WHL games.
See also: Sabres select Zach Benson at No. 13 in 2023 NHL Draft: 'I'm super stoked'