Rookie Midterms: Zach Benson's best is yet to come

When Zach Benson stepped on NHL ice for the time, he became the first 13th overall pick to debut in their draft-plus-one season in more than a decade. 

But Benson isn't your usual 13th-overall pick. 

His was a loaded draft up top. In some years, Benson's incredible combination of skills would have made a compelling case for the No. 1 overall prospect. 

And no surprise, in spite of Benson's age and 5-foot-10, 170-pound stature, he's found immediate success. He's often outgunned, but he's never outmatched. 

The dynamic skill level already pops in the NHL in spurts, too. Look no further than his bar-down, between-the-legs finish for his first NHL goal in his ninth game. The skills highlighted in the Elite Prospects 2023 NHL Draft Guide have all appeared, from saucer passes to in-tight handling sk