Doan Provides Spark For Sabres 

When the Buffalo Sabres moved scoring winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth in June, concerns were raised regarding the return received in the exchange. 

The key piece coming to the Sabres in the trade was defenseman Michael Kesselring. Kesselring was seen as the blueline partner Buffalo has been seeking for 22-year-old 2021 first overall draft pick Owen Power. With Kesselring’s Sabres debut delayed due to injury, the focus of the deal has shifted to winger Josh Doan. 

The 23-year-old forward has made a significant contribution to the Sabres lineup in the first month of the regular season. Doan has four goals and four assists in eleven games played thus far with Buffalo. With the Sabres focusing on a lineup that is hard to play against, Doan has been a valuable addition to the forward group. 

His new opportunity in Buffalo has brought out the best in Doan. His drive to make the most of this challenge has benefited his new team greatly. 

The 6’2″ native of Scottsdale, Arizona, has shown a strong work ethic coupled with a willingness to go to the net and make the most of offensive opportunities. Doan’s drive to go to the front of the goal has been contagious throughout the lineup. The combination of Doan, Ryan McLeod and Alex Tuch has paid dividends in the early going. On many nights this season, Doan and his linemates have been the best forward combination for the team. 

In games when top winger Tage Thompson has been held in check, the McLeod line has put points on the board. The trio has eleven goals between them over the first eleven games and has  helped provide the Sabres with an additional offensive threat beyond the top line of Kulich, Thompson and Benson.

While the trade was largely fueled by Peterka’s desire to move on, the Sabres have gained from Doan’s multi-faceted contribution. He is a player who not only can score a key goal, but can also be trusted in all areas of the game. Peterka has had a strong start to the season with the Mammoth, but Doan has matched Peterka’s goal total in the same number of games played so far this season. 

With Kesselring now joining the Buffalo defensive group and Doan’s performance exceeding expectations, the summer move which drew considerable scrutiny is suddenly looking much better on the Buffalo side.