There’s an old hockey adage that says when you don’t notice a defenseman, it means he’s doing his job. When it comes to Nate Benoit, that adage is an apt description of what he brings to each situation.
The Bow, N.H., native and University of North Dakota recruit has been an outstanding two-way player for the Mount St. Charles 18 team over the past several seasons. He is ready to take the next step in juniors, where his USHL rights are owned by the Tri-City Storm. He played in three USHL games as an affiliate this past campaign, demonstrating that he could keep up with the pace and physicality of that top junior league.
Benoit should be able to parlay his success in AAA and limited experience in juniors into a call at the NHL draft later this week.
“Steady and effective,” said a scout with an Eastern Conference NHL team. “He skates well but isn’t explosive. He breaks pucks out efficiently and has the vision to make offensive plays. He defends well, using his stick and reach effectively. He checks the boxes, but isn’t overly dynamic in how he goes about it.”
The late ’02 and captain developed in the Northern Cyclones minor program before moving to Rhode Island and has been a steady riser on NHL radars for his refined game and ability to keep things simple. At 6-foot-1, 181 pounds, he has a good amount of filling out to do.
“He’s comfortable in his skin; he knows what he is,” the scout said. “He’s smart and physical. He doesn’t run around or try be something he’s not. Don’t expect him to put up a ton of points or be leading the rush on offense all the time — that’s not his game.”
Benoit was able to get one last solid viewing for NHL scouts in at the USA Hockey Tier 1 nationals played in St. Louis earlier this spring. Over two seasons with Mount St. Charles Academy, he scored 83 points in 96 games. He reduced his time spent in the box this past year, a sign that he understands that top players need to be on the ice, not taking unnecessary penalties.
These days, NHL teams are looking for players like Benoit: He places a priority on defending and making sure he’s in the right position to keep opponents away from his net. He can get back quickly to retrieve pucks and has the awareness to head/shoulder check to sense pressure and not turn it over. He brings a hard-to-play-against mentality and the physicality to force opposing forwards to account for him when he’s on the ice.
With a poise and maturity beyond his years, even if he doesn’t flash high-end skating or skills, the tools are in place for him to get a nod at draft time. The fact that he’s headed to a top NCAA program in the NCDC like North Dakota bodes well for his long-term potential. Watch for him to be a part of a Tri-City team that is shaping up to be a power in the USHL’s Western Conference next season.
New England Hockey Journal draft prediction: Ranked the 179th skater in North America on Central Scouting’s final list, he is more than the sum of his parts. Any team that drafts Benoit knows that it will need time and patience to let him continue to grow, but he has enough attributes and moxie to be an attractive NHL prospect. He’s a good value anywhere from the late fourth round and on.
