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Sabres Sign BU Defenseman Gavin McCarthy to Three-Year Entry-Level Deal

The contract begins in 2026–27, making any AHL action this spring contingent on a separate tryout.

Overview

  • The three-year deal carries a $1,007,500 cap hit starting in 2026–27, $17,500 below the entry-level maximum for that season.
  • Buffalo has not announced whether McCarthy will report to the NHL roster or the AHL’s Rochester Americans.
  • Because his NHL contract starts next season, any AHL games this spring would require an AHL contract or a professional tryout agreement.
  • The Sabres drafted McCarthy 86th overall in 2023 after his USHL stint, and he spent three seasons at Boston University.
  • He set a collegiate career high with 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in 36 games for BU this season, and prior scouting labeled him a raw, physical defender with skating to refine.