BUFFALO | Jonathan Marchessault was never lucky enough to have his name in an NHL draft. But that reality doesn’t stop him from inspiring the generation of gamers who follow him. Zach Benson is part of a group looking to emulate his game as the Vegas Golden Knights right winger.
• Also read: NHL ratings camp: the modesty of Connor Bedard
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Like Marchessault, Benson doesn’t exactly have the physique of the Ferré Giant. According to numbers released by NHL Central Scouting, the Winnipeg Ice winger is 5’7″ and weighs 150 pounds.
“I play way bigger than my stature,” Benson replied during an interview with Le Journal, between interviews with NHL teams for pre-NHL draft ratings camp. I need that philosophy to have a long career in the NHL.”
“I’m looking at forwards like Brayden Point and Mitch Marner.”
After a brief hiatus, the Chilliwack, British Columbia winger adds another name to his roster.
“There’s also Jonathan Marchessault. If I’m not mistaken, Marchessault has led the NHL in goals since the start of the playoffs. I think he’s only 1.75 meters tall and he dominates in the final. I’m sure the Golden Knights are happy to count on him.
We forgive the small mistake. As of Thursday, June 8, the date of the interview, the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl remained the top scorer with 13 goals. However, Marchessault caught up with him that same night and hit the target in the final for the third game in a row.
rare skills
“If he were two inches taller, he would definitely be a top five pick,” predicted a Western Conference scout. Benson is a great talent. He has a flair for the top game, and so does his level of competition. You can count on him every night, he never disappoints.
This quote sums up the sixth best candidate among North American players in NHL Central Scouting.
Benson knows his on-ice intelligence puts him in a rare category.
“Yes, it’s flattering to say that I’m one of the players with the highest IQ in hockey,” he replied. I’ve had a good idea of the game since I was young. I consider myself a very intelligent player on the ice. I watch a lot of hockey.
After Bedard
In 60 games this season at Winnipeg’s Junior League West, Benson topped his team with 98 points (36 goals, 52 assists). He and his own team defeated two first-round picks in the 2022 draft, Matthew Savoie (95 points and 9th Sabers pick) and Conor Geekie (77 points, 11th Coyotes pick).
Photo courtesy of Winnipeg Ice
“We had a really good team with the Ice,” said Benson. I played for Savoie for most of the season. We had a great bond. Matt and Conor are two very talented players. I like to surround myself with them.”
In the WHL, only Connor Bedard (143 points) and Chase Wheatcroft (107 points) scored higher. Bedard needs no introduction as Wheatcroft was playing in his 20th year.
Without getting arrogant, Benson was comfortably seated on his couch when he was told he was the other young phenomenon in his circle.
“I wasn’t too surprised by my offensive contribution,” underscored Ice’s number 9. There are several good offensive players. But I was preparing for a big year. I was ready, I looked forward to it. I have a high level of competition. I also consider myself a consistent player.
A lofty goal
Benson doesn’t have to wait long in the stands at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. He will be among the first to be chosen.
“We all want to get out as soon as possible,” he said. I am no different. I’ve been thinking for a long time. However, I realize that the most important work will come after the draft. I want to be a good player in the NHL. I have the mentality that the team that picks me up will be lucky. I will do my job to make her happy and one day win the Stanley Cup.
What if that team were the Montreal Canadiens?
“Montreal would be a super cool city. I grew up in Canada. We always talk about the two big hockey cities, Montreal and Toronto. The Canadian is a dream for many young players.