Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres announced the signing of forward Zach Benson on Friday to his three-year entry-level contract.
Benson was the Sabres' first-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft, going off the board as the 13th overall pick to Buffalo.
The 18-year-old was highly regarded as one of the best playmaking players in the 2023 draft class after tallying 98 points (36+62) in 60 games last season with the Winnipeg Ice of the Western Hockey League.
Benson ranked third among all WHL skaters in points this past year, and was named a CHL Third-Team All-Star, as well as a WHL East First-Team All-Star following the 2022-23 season.
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The Langley, British Columbia native was also linemates with Buffalo's 2022 first-round pick (9th overall) Matthew Savoie this past year with the Ice.
Over his three seasons spent playing in the WHL with the Ice organization (now the Wenatchee Wild), Benson has appeared in 142 games, scoring 71 goals and amassing 110 assists for 181 points.
