The Maple Leafs have the cap space and motive to offer sheet Zach Benson and Buffalo cannot afford to match it
Photo credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Zach Benson is an upcoming restricted free agent, and the Buffalo Sabres may not be able to afford him, especially if the Toronto gives him an offer he can't refuse.
Right now, the biggest story of the 2026 NHL Playoffs is the Buffalo Sabres. Everyone seems to be jumping on the wagon pulling the team, and a collective effort from some very talented folks has led them not only to the top of the Atlantic Division; but also a 2-1 series lead over Tampa Bay.
Guys like Rasmus Dahlin, Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram are crushing it right now, and with the atmosphere in Buffalo near nuclear levels of excitement — their momentum is off the charts right now.
But one player who might not be getting a ton of attention is youngster Zach Benson. At only 20 years old he's already played in over 200 NHL games, is a blossoming playmaker, and an analytical darling. A strong postseason could lead him to getting a much bigger payday.
Maple Leafs have perfect chance to steal a young analytical darling from the Atlantic Division champs
That's music to the ears of the Maple Leafs because Buffalo may not be able to keep him, and one offer sheet can change things forever.
With the Sabres having Josh Doan's extension kicking in, and a new contract for Alex Tuch looming in the background, the team is likely going to need to underpay Benson a bit, and could be looking for a bridge deal along the lines of two or three years.
With the Maple Leafs stacked to the gills with cap space and needing youth in their lineup, an overpayment for Benson may be worth it. Right now he makes $950,000 and it's likely if he re-signs, the Sabres wanna pay him around $3-3.5-million on a bridge deal; maybe more.
Toronto can slide in and offer a five or six-year deal worth $4-4.5-million and ensure they have Benson around long term and someone they can build around with Easton Cowan and Matthew Knies.
Benson, 20, had 43 points in 65 games this season (13 goals, 30 assists) while adding 42 PIM, 40 hits, 22 blocks and a blistering plus-27 rating. He's an analytical darling, and his possession numbers are fantastic; he had a 55.2% Corsi and a 55.6% Fenwick rate this year, Buffalo kept the puck a lot with him on the ice.
There's also a chance Buffalo wants to re-sign Logan Stanley as well as find a new deal for Peyton Krebs who is also an RFA. As good as Buffalo is, they are pretty locked up in some big contracts and Benson could be a casualty.
Why Zach Benson is the type of target the Maple Leafs need to focus on in 2026-27
Besides the obvious, that being he's barely out of his teenage years; Benson represents where Toronto should be. He was a 13th overall pick for a reason, and had to toil for a bit before breaking out this season.
But it's the fact that already at a young age there's an onus on the deeper facets of the game. Possession, forechecking, defence, hockey IQ — all vital traits you need in addition to a good shot or passing ability.
With the team trying to lean themselves in the direction of analytics and more data-driven results then you're clearly looking at players like Benson. Young or at least fairly young, high-possession rate players who can dictate both the offensive and defensive side of things. It's no longer about adding a Ryan Reaves or Max Domi-type player.
That's far in the past, and the modern game requires a modern roster. Benson proved to the Sabres and the rest of the league that he's no one to mess with and will be a force for years to come at both ends of the ice.
Which is why Toronto pushing their chips all in is a gamble, but it's a good thing that Benson is a bonafide Ace.
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The Maple Leafs can solve their Stolarz problem and get a second round pick by making one phone call
The Maple Leafs can solve their Stolarz problem and get a second round pick by making one phone call
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