The Buffalo Sabres have signed winger Josh Doan to a seven year, $48.65 million contract extension. Doan has been one of biggest surprises for the Sabres this season, with the club focused on a push toward a postseason season berth.
The twenty-three year old native of Scottsdale Arizona has been a significant addition to the Buffalo since his arrival in Western New York in a deal with Utah in June.
Doan has scored fifteen goals and added twenty assists in fifty games played for the Sabres this season.
Although defenseman Michael Kesselring was initially considered the key component of the off season trade which sent scoring winger JJ Peterka to the Mammoth, the focus of the deal has shifted.
With Kesselring being slowed by injuries, Doan has been the top summer acquisition for the surging Sabres.
Doan has emerged
The young forward has emerged as a driven, hard working player who consistently goes to the net to make the most of offensive zone opportunities.
Doan has been a key piece for a team that has found its identity in the battle to secure a playoff position.
While difficult roster decisions remain ahead including the future of pending unrestricted free agent Alex Tuch, the Sabres could ill afford to lose two top forwards.
Regardless of what the future holds for Tuch, having Doan in the fold for the next seven years is a significant positive moving forward.
“Just great character ,” said Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff of Doan. “Tries to work hard and get better every day. I think we’ve seen what he’s done on the ice. I think his work speaks for itself. He’s on the puck, he plays the game the right way and he’ll be an important piece of this team for a long time. “
For his part, Doan is excited to be a part of a team on the rise in Buffalo.
“It’s a huge honor that they put the trust in me to sign a deal long term like that, “ said Doan. I think it’s a testament of their faith in this group and in me that we’re building something for the future here and it’s a huge honor to be a part of that.”
Streaking Sabres Stay Alive Before the Break
By Dave Reichert / December 24, 2025
Heading into the three day Christmas break, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Ottawa Senators with a 3-2 overtime victory on Tuesday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. With the key divisional win, the Sabres extended their winning streak to seven games. Sustainability is still a big-picture question mark. Will and effort are not.
“I think when we have every guy going, all twenty of us, you don’t know who is going to score on each night,” said winger Alex Tuch. “We have everyone contributing, we have everyone playing good defense. We’re not giving up too much, it’s winning hockey.”
“This is what we’ve been building towards and this is the type of hockey we’re going to have to play if we want to make a push. You see maturity, you see each individual sacrificing, just doing the right thing. I’m proud of this group, it’s been awesome to see. “
Sabres leaving the cellar behind
After spending much of the season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves back in the hunt for a playoff position. They sit just two points out of the final wildcard position and three points out of third place in the Atlantic division.
It is a time of transition in Buffalo. With Kevyn Adams being relieved of his duties as general manager on December 15th and Jarmo Kekalainen taking over the GM chair the team has responded with its best stretch of the season.
The Sabres closed out the last three games of Adams’ tenure with road victories over Edmonton, Vancouver and Seattle.
The beginning of the Kekalainen era has energized the group and the team continues to win games.
So far so good under Kekalainen
While all facets of the organization are still under scrutiny under Kekalainen, the air of change and what the future may hold has had a positive impact so far.
Goaltender Alex Lyon has been outstanding during this stretch, giving the Sabres key saves at critical points in games.
The team has bought into the way head coach Lindy Ruff wants them to play. An ability to win tight games and hold late game leads during this seven game run has Buffalo moving up the standings and very much in the postseason conversation.
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