Zach Benson

Zach Benson

20-Year-Old Left WingLW
Buffalo Sabres
Out
Injury Upper Body
Est. Return 3/3/2026
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Benson’s sophomore season ended up being similar to his rookie campaign. He had 10 goals, 28 points, 60 PIM, 120 shots and 35 hits across 75 outings with the Sabres in 2024-25. Make note of that low hit total -- he might get into trouble, but if your league doesn’t count PIM, then he won’t provide you with versatility. The 20-year-old does have untapped offensive potential, though, and it’s conceivable that he ends up playing a bigger role this campaign. While he averaged 14:49 of ice time overall in 2024-25, he logged 16:05 per game over the final 14 contests. In particular, he might end up finding himself playing with Tage Thompson, which would naturally be a great assignment. Keep an eye on Benson’s use during training camp and early in the season because, under the right circumstances, Benson might jump to 40 or so points in 2025-26. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Buffalo in July of 2023.
Set to miss road trip
LWBuffalo Sabres
Upper Body
February 23, 2026
Benson (upper body) is not expected to return during the Sabres' three-game road trip, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports Monday.
ANALYSIS
Benson was already ruled out against the Devils on Wednesday, but it seems his absence will linger a little longer. Considering the 20-year-old winger has already missed two games due to his upper-body problem, fantasy managers can likely expect him to be designated for injured reserve prior to Wednesday's contest to clear roster space for the return of Josh Norris (ribs).
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NHL Stats
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2025 NHL Game Log
2025
2024
2023
2025 NHL Game Log
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2024 NHL Game Log
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2023 NHL Game Log
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2025–26 Time On Ice Stats
  • Average Time On Ice:
    16:30
  • Average Power Play TOI:
    2:12
  • Average Short-Handed TOI:
    0:41
 
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2023–24
14:31
1:04
0:46
2024–25
14:49
1:25
0:54
2025–26
16:30
2:12
0:41
Sabres Depth Chart
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Zach Benson See More
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Zach Benson See More
2024 Fantasy Outlook
Benson was far removed from the Calder Trophy conversation, but he had a decent rookie season in 2023-24, recording 11 goals, 30 points and 36 PIM across 71 outings with the Sabres. Selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Benson has a high skill ceiling. He'll likely see considerable time on the second line this season and get an uptick in average ice time compared to his 14:31 last year. That, combined with his continued development, might result in the 19-year-old forward flirting with the 50-point mark. Of course, betting on a sophomore taking a significant step forward always carries with it a degree of risk, so keep that in mind before drafting him.
More Fantasy News
Not expected to play Wednesday
LWBuffalo Sabres
Upper Body
February 22, 2026
Benson (upper body, undisclosed) is not expected to play Wednesday against the Devils, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Won't play Thursday
LWBuffalo Sabres
Upper Body
February 5, 2026
Benson (upper body) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Penguins, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports.
ANALYSIS
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Will miss Tuesday's outing
LWBuffalo Sabres
Upper Body
February 3, 2026
Benson (upper body) was ruled out ahead of Tuesday's road matchup against the Lightning, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.
ANALYSIS
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Unable to finish game in Florida
LWBuffalo Sabres
Upper Body
February 2, 2026
Benson is being evaluated for an upper-body injury after leaving Monday's 5-3 win over the Panthers in the third period, per Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News.
ANALYSIS
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Playing Saturday
LWBuffalo Sabres
January 24, 2026
Benson (upper body) will be in the lineup Saturday against the Islanders, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports.
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Set to return
LWBuffalo Sabres
November 23, 2025
Benson is in line to make his return from a lower-body injury Sunday against Carolina, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Benson has missed the last 10 games while on injured reserve. He was enjoying a fantastic start to the season, dishing out eight assists in eight games before his injury. If the 20-year-old returns Sunday, he should assume his role in the middle six once again.
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