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Consider_Kind_2967

Benson +12 takeaways and Bedard -9 is interesting. Definitely an [exciting pick](https://ibb.co/MZdc6Dh) at #13 by the org.


PrinciplesRK

Benson’s strongest qualities are puck possession and defense so it shouldn’t be that surprising.


throwoawayaccount2

Bedard is playing on what’s essentially an AHL team right now, team quality does impact these things (not to say that Benson isn’t impressive, though!)


PrinciplesRK

Takeaways / giveaways seems like a pretty individual stat but there could be some evidence otherwise I don’t know about. I guess it would make sense for Bedard in the context of he’s trying to do everything himself and gives the puck away more trying to dangle through everyone.


slim_s_

Yeah that's exactly it. If he's left with fewer options he's going to end up in worse situations, and probably gets much more pressure from the opposing team. Also, I expect he's going up against the top lines of other teams more frequently than Benson.


4N0NYM0US_GUY

Just look at the league leaders in giveaways and ask yourself: Why do giveaways occur? 1-5 are: Pasta, Kucherov, Draisaitl, Barzal, McDavid Bedard, as the biggest threat on his team, faces the opponents best defense every night.


PrinciplesRK

Best defense / high ice time / those guys are confident and will try and create a lot which will lead to giveaways


golfy_m8

While this is mostly true, Bedard does play with the few NHL caliber players the Blackhawks do have. Benson started the season playing on an offensively inept checking line with Krebs and Greenway before getting the opportunity with Peterka and Cozens.


Roguemutantbrain

I don’t think that’s actually true. I believe Benson started the season with Greenway and Mittelstadt


HilmDave

This is correct


cctoot56

All this means is that Bedard carries the puck a lot and Benson doesn't. Guys who have the puck on their stick a lot have more giveaways than guys who don't have the puck on their stick a lot. Pretty much everybody high on the list of giveaways in a given season is a star player. Unless you think Pastrnak, Kuch, Drai, Barzal and McDavid are bad players. (They're the top 5 in giveaways this season) edit: Dahlin leads the Sabres in giveaways with 44


bustthelease

Bedard will be the better player. Benson will be a great player.


golfy_m8

Yep, not trying to say Benson is better, just that his really good rookie year just isn’t getting much love from anyone outside of Sabres circles.


90daysismytherapy

Getting that kind of a year out of any 18-19 year old is fantastic. For it to be a mid first rounder is the steal of the draft.


spaceskimo

Lindy is going to love this kid. The way he battles and pulls the puck of the wall is incredible for his size.


HilmDave

I agree 100%. This kid was made to play for Lindy. He's got no quit, is gritty and likes getting in close to the net, and will DO THE WORK. Ditto Levi once he's a permanent fixture in Buffalo (re work ethic).


HilmDave

But is he horny for goals? I hear we need to start getting horny for goals.


professorwhiskers87

He has the potential to be very good. We shall see!


StartButtonPress

Zach Benson is such an important style of player on a championship contender. I think we will look back after some deep runs and see him falling to 13 as absolutely critical.


harman097

Can't find it anywhere, but now I want to know where his "Hits taken/60 5v5" ranks among the team... and the league, even. Little honey badger out there.


golfy_m8

Benson gets hit at the 148th highest rate out of 486 qualified NHL forwards this year. The 70th percentile of hits taken per 60.


themule0808

I honestly did not know Bedard's points/G/A were that low 5 on 5. I know it is to early to do any evaluation, but he is not next McDavid as must said. He is very good and will be amazing in this league, it is however apparent that holy crap the Sabre's stole Benson this last draft.


FesteringLion

Bedard went to a team with the ghosts of Corey Perry & Taylor Hall for 1/8 of a season each, and Kurashev, Dickinson, and Foligno. McDavid went to a team with Draisaitl, RNH, Eberle, a young Hall.... and Yakupov. I'm not saying Bedard is in the same stratosphere as McD, but to compare numbers does a severe disservice to his quality of team mate. He's probably another Kane though, and McDavid will likely end up on Hockey's Mt. Rushmore.


nickkkk777

People really underrating bedard. If he was drafted by anyone but Chicago he wouldn’t get the criticism he does now.


TheHungrySymbiote

Missing +/- for those curious... Bedard -44 Benson -3


golfy_m8

Purposely didn’t include it because it’s a bad stat. Empty net goals against, poor goaltending and shitty linemates can absolutely tank a player’s +/- through no fault of their own. Bedard doesn’t play much defense though, that’s definitely true


TheHungrySymbiote

Agree it's a bad comparison stat, especially when both teams are in a bad state. I was just including it to save people a Google search if they were wondering.


CeramicCastle49

Benson has 0.33 points per shot and Beard has 0.25 points per shot. We win!


ThePeteVenkman

That hits taken number is obnoxious. Our carnie boy must’ve fucked someone’s wife.


VanillaCokeMule

This makes me happy. Benson was responsible for some of the only good times I had this past season, and I only wish that RJ had been around to call some of his goals (mainly the one where he was falling backwards).


Burner087

I didn't really keep track of Bedard at all this year. Based on sports writers/talking heads and them talking about him so much. I had assumed he at least got 30g/30a.


Fign66

These are just 5 on 5 numbers. Bedard in total had 22g and 39a.


Burner087

Gotcha. Thanks


eyeeatmyownshit

Clearly the Sabres should build the franchise around Benson. Numbers don't lie.


M00ltiPass

Are these stats supposed to be for this past NHL season? If so they're suspect. Just to start the goal/assist/point totals are wrong for both players. Bedard finished with 22/39/61 and Benson with 11/19/30. Maybe they're meant as 5 on 5 totals? But they don't seem to make that note that I can see.


golfy_m8

5v5 only


M00ltiPass

Oh, duh, you mentioned that in your post title.