The Buffalo Sabres have had a busy offseason thus far, trading Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday before sending Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen is just not done, nonetheless, as he took care of major internal business regarding young forward Zach Benson.
Benson and the Sabres have signed a seven-year contract extension, the team confirmed on Wednesday evening. Benson’s latest contract carries an annual average value of $7.5 million. Because of this of this deal, the 21-year-old has avoided hitting restricted free agency on July 1 when NHL Free Agency begins.
Benson enjoyed a profession 12 months in 2025-26 because the Sabres returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He scored 13 goals and 43 points in 65 games. His efforts helped Buffalo win the Atlantic Division and snap a 14-year postseason drought.
Within the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the young forward got here alive. He tied star forward Tage Thompson for the team lead in goals throughout their playoff run. He also added 4 assists for a complete of nine points. The Sabres got here inside a game of the Eastern Conference Finals. Nevertheless, they lost in seven games to the Montreal Canadiens in round two.
Clearly, Buffalo views Benson as an integral a part of the team’s future. This contract is an indication of major faith within the 21-year-old. With Tuch now on to the Capitals, there might be a bigger role for the previous thirteenth overall selection, as well. If the Sabres need to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. they may must lean on Benson in 2026-27.
The Buffalo Sabres have had a busy offseason thus far, trading Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday before sending Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen is just not done, nonetheless, as he took care of major internal business regarding young forward Zach Benson.