Nashville, Tenn. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres went with another product of the Ice organization in the Western Hockey League with their first-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft on Wednesday.
After taking forward Matthew Savoie with the ninth overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Sabres went on to draft his teammate with the 13th overall pick this year, forward Zach Benson.
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After hearing his name being called by the Sabres with the 13th pick on Wednesday, Benson immediately got excited over the potential of one day playing with his juniors teammate in the NHL.
"Me and 'Sav' [Savoie] played the whole year together on the same line, [penalty] kill together, power play together. Now to share the same NHL jersey, it’s pretty amazing,” said Benson as he met with the assembled media in Nashville.
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Benson was part of a squad in the WHL last season that finished as one of the best teams in the league, winning the Eastern Conference title and only losing to the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL Finals. The 18-year-old says his time learning and developing in the WHL has been key to his overall progression as a player.
"Learning from a guy like [head coach] James Patrick everyday, it’s pretty awesome," Benson said. "You learn a lot from a guy who played 20 years in the NHL."
Patrick finished his playing career with the Sabres, appearing in 345 games in Buffalo between 1998 and 2004, and amassing 23 goals and 51 assists for 74 points. The former defenseman also began his coaching career in Buffalo under the tutelage of Lindy Ruff, spending seven seasons behind the bench.
With the Ice, Patrick has had the chance to coach not just Benson and Savoie, but also forward Peyton Krebs for a few seasons.
When speaking of the Sabres and the future of the organization, Benson offered quite the glowing review.
"I’m pretty pumped," he said. "Their roster is looking pretty dangerous, so to be a part of that plan and where they are heading, I’m super pumped."
You can listen to Benson's complete meeting with the media in Nashville available in the player below:
