Flyers Draft Profile: Zach Benson
Up next in our draft profile series is forward Zach Benson from the WHL Winnipeg Ice.
With the Flyers currently sitting at 7th overall Benson is one of those guys that has been all over the draft board I’ve seen him in mock drafts being selected at 3rd overall and all the way up to 15th overall. Based on what I’ve been seeing he seems like a guy that very well could be sitting right there for the taking for the Flyers at 7th overall.
Benson has been getting a lot of high praise for his great passing ability and his play along the boards. This past season with the Winnipeg Ice he recorded 36 goals and added 62 assist for 98 points. It was the best of his 3 season with Winnipeg and most people believe he is one of the most underrated players in this draft.
At 5’10 and 159lbs Benson is probably not being talked about as much due to his size. But, as we have seen especially in todays NHL size isn’t always needed to be a top player in this league. The NHL is only getting faster and Benson is a guy with some great speed. But, what stands out the most for Benson is his hockey IQ.
Zach Benson is regarded as one of the smartest players in this draft and some scouts have even said if this were any other draft year he’d get consideration for the number one overall pick. Benson has great vision on the ice and seems to always know how the play is going to develop before it does. His compete level is also another one of his main strengths, the kid doesn’t have an off switch and brings the intensity every night.
Being able to select Benson at 7 would be a steal for the Flyers. Bringing in another winger that has great vision and could pair very well with Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, or Tyson Foerster. Zach Benson also could bring a much needed element to the Flyers game. Winning puck battles. The Flyers struggled mightily with winning the battles along the boards, Benson would be guy that could come in and solve a problem area for the Flyers.
If Benson is there at 7 and the Flyers pull the trigger on him I don’t think that anyone would have a problem with him being a key part of the Flyers future.
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-Walsh