Buffalo Sabres’ Roster Analysis for the 2025-26 Season
As the NHL gears up for the 2025-26 season, fans and analysts alike are examining the Buffalo Sabres’ roster to identify key players and their anticipated contributions. Among those under scrutiny is 20-year-old Zach Benson, a winger whose performance will be pivotal this year.
Zach Benson’s Performance and Expectations
Having completed two seasons in the NHL, Benson has demonstrated a steady level of play, but with his new role as the first-line left winger, the stakes are higher than ever.
Benson’s journey through the league has seen him off to a reliable start; his statistics from the last season saw him participate in 75 games, during which he netted 10 goals and accumulated 28 points, averaging 14:49 minutes on the ice. These figures follow a rookie season where he slightly outpaced his second-year totals with 11 goals and 30 points across 71 games, averaging a comparable amount of ice time at 14:31.
Historically, these numbers are solid for a secondary scorer, but in his newly assigned position, expectations have escalated tremendously.
Contract and Future Prospects
Entering the 2025-26 season with a contract worth $950,000, Benson is positioned to be a significant asset, potentially proving to be a cost-efficient choice, regardless of whether he meets the high expectations tied to his 13th overall selection by the Sabres in 2023.
Coaches, particularly Lindy Ruff, are placing their trust in him to enhance the output alongside talented players like Tage Thompson and Josh Norris early in the season. For Benson, this is an opportunity to showcase his resilience and skill, which first enabled him to transition effectively from the Western League to the NHL.
Challenges Ahead
However, with a strong pool of young wingers also vying for playing time, Benson must excel quickly to secure his spot and justify a potentially higher salary when he becomes a restricted free agent next summer. As the season approaches and pressure mounts, fans will be watching closely to see if Benson can rise to the challenge and capitalize on the promising position he finds himself in.
