The Buffalo Sabres have solidified their commitment to forward Josh Doan, signing him to a seven-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $6.95 million. The deal, announced Wednesday, will keep Doan in Buffalo through the 2032-33 season.
This significant extension underscores the Sabres' belief in Doan as a core piece of their team moving forward. Sabres General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen praised Doan's impact both on and off the ice, highlighting his work ethic, competitiveness, and skill. Kekäläinen expressed his excitement in having Doan as a Sabre long term, emphasizing the organization's faith in his continued development.
Doan, 23, has made a strong impression since joining the Sabres. Through 49 games this season, he has recorded 15 goals and 35 points. Beyond the scoresheet, Doan has energized fans with his spirited play, as evidenced by a recent game against Anaheim where his tenacious backcheck and fight ignited the crowd. "You can feel the energy off every play," Doan said, noting the palpable excitement within KeyBank Center when the team is winning.
Buffalo acquired Doan from Utah, along with defenseman Michael Kesselring, in exchange for forward JJ Peterka during the past offseason. Doan embraced the fresh start in Buffalo, suggesting he had more to offer offensively after a season where he tallied 19 points in 51 NHL games. He dedicated his offseason to studying elite net-front scorers, a role he has since taken on within the Sabres' power play unit.
Doan was originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the second round (37th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. Before turning pro, he honed his skills in the USHL's Chicago Steel system and spent two seasons at Arizona State University, amassing 28 goals and 75 points in 74 games. He signed his first NHL contract with the Coyotes in 2023 and played 11 games for them in the 2023-24 season. Following the Coyotes' relocation to Utah, Doan's role diminished, leading to his trade to Buffalo.
Notably, Peterka, the player traded for Doan, has also found success with the Utah Mammoth, recording 16 goals and 32 points in 49 games this season.
