Overview
- ESPN insider Kevin Weekes reported on Friday that the Sabres are working on a seven-year extension for Zach Benson that could carry an average annual value similar to the deal Buffalo gave Josh Doan.
- Benson broke out this season with a career-high 43 points in 65 games and added five goals and four assists in 13 playoff games, reversing concerns from a weaker sophomore year.
- No contract has been announced and current accounts are based on team sources and media reporting rather than official confirmation from the Sabres.
- If the deal mirrors Doan’s seven-year, $48.65 million contract, Buffalo would gain cost certainty for a top-six winger while the two deals together could take a noticeable share of future cap space under projected salary-cap levels.
- The extension would give Benson immediate financial security and a defined role in Buffalo’s roster plans while exposing the team to the usual long-term risk if his play regresses or he misses time with injury.