The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly finalizing a significant contract extension for forward Josh Doan, as confirmed by sources including ESPN’s Emily Kaplan. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the extension will span seven years and is valued at $48.65 million, giving Doan an average annual value of $6.95 million. This agreement will keep Doan with the Sabres until the end of the 2032-33 NHL season, when he will be 31 years old.
This marks the first major move by General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen since taking the helm of Buffalo’s front office. Just six months ago, the prospect of Doan receiving such a substantial extension seemed unlikely. He was acquired from the Utah Mammoth, along with defenseman Michael Kesselring, in exchange for JJ Peterka. Initially viewed as a player who would fit into the Sabres’ middle six forwards, Doan has substantially exceeded expectations since joining the team.
Over his first two seasons, Doan managed 12 goals and 28 points across 62 games with the Arizona Coyotes and Utah Hockey Club, averaging just over 13 minutes of ice time with a +4 rating. His possession and defensive metrics suggested he was a solid player, but nobody anticipated the breakout performance he has delivered with the Sabres.
This season, Doan has already eclipsed his previous career bests, scoring 15 goals and registering 35 points in just 49 games. He ranks third on the team in goals and fourth in overall scoring while averaging 16:04 of ice time per game. Impressively, he has outperformed Peterka, providing three more points despite both players having similar game counts.
Statistics from MoneyPuck further highlight Doan’s impact, as the line of Peyton Krebs, Tage Thompson, and Doan boasts an impressive 55.1% expected goals percentage, making it one of the top-performing forward units in the league. His on-ice goal percentage of 60.4% is also the highest on the team, showcasing his effectiveness as a forward this season.
Although Doan has exhibited some vulnerabilities defensively, the Sabres appear eager to overlook these issues due to his offensive contributions. With this extension, Buffalo has solidified their commitment to a player who has quickly become a vital part of their offensive strategy. The future looks promising for both Doan and the Sabres as they aim to build on this momentum.