Imagine a young hockey player so electrifying that he can single-handedly ignite a sold-out arena with a single fight and a relentless backcheck. That's Josh Doan, and the Buffalo Sabres have just secured his future with a bold, seven-year contract extension worth $6.95 million annually. This move keeps Doan in Buffalo through the 2032-33 season, ensuring the team's core remains intact for the long haul. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a risky move for the Sabres, or a brilliant investment in a player who's already proving his worth? Let's dive in.
Doan, acquired from Utah alongside defenseman Michael Kesselring in exchange for forward JJ Peterka during the offseason, has seamlessly integrated into the Sabres' lineup. His impact extends beyond the stats sheet. After scoring 19 points in 51 NHL games last season, Doan hinted at untapped offensive potential. This offseason, he dedicated himself to studying elite net-front scorers, a role he's now thriving in on the Sabres' power play. And this is the part most people miss: his transformation isn't just about scoring goals; it's about his relentless work ethic and the infectious energy he brings to every shift.
'You can feel the energy off every play,' Doan remarked after a recent win against Anaheim. 'We were told coming here that, when you’re winning, it’s the best place to play, and you’re starting to feel that.' This sentiment resonates deeply with Sabres fans, who've witnessed Doan's tenacity firsthand. His 35 takeaways this season, a league-leading statistic, are a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game.
Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen couldn't agree more. 'Josh is a player that impacts the team both on and off the ice,' he stated. 'He works hard, is competitive and skilled, and his game is going to continue to develop. We believe he will be a core piece of this team moving forward.' But is this enough to justify a seven-year commitment? Some might argue that it's a gamble, especially with Doan's restricted free agency looming. However, Kekäläinen's confidence in Doan's potential seems well-placed, given his current performance.
Teammate Tage Thompson, who's trained with Doan in Arizona and played alongside him at the IIHF World Championship, has long been a vocal supporter. 'He does have skill and can score,' Thompson said in June. 'It’s just not what his role’s been at the NHL level so far. But he’s one of those guys that will go to war for you and do anything to help the team win.' Thompson's words now seem prophetic, as Doan ranks third on the Sabres in goals (15), fourth in assists (20), and fourth in points (35) – all career highs. According to Stathletes, the Sabres control 54.9% of expected goals with Doan on the ice at 5-on-5, the team's best mark.
But here's the million-dollar question: Can Doan sustain this level of play over the next seven years? Sabres coach Lindy Ruff certainly thinks so. After a recent win, Ruff praised Doan's effort, calling it 'pure effort' and 'determination.' Ruff even drew comparisons between Doan and newly inducted Sabres Hall of Famer Jason Pominville, highlighting their shared work ethic and skill. The fans seem to agree, as evidenced by the 'Doan Stop Believin'' sign now prominently displayed in KeyBank Center.
With Doan's future secured, the Sabres now turn their attention to three players set to become restricted free agents this summer: Kesselring, Zach Benson, and Peyton Krebs. What do you think? Is the Sabres' investment in Doan a smart move, or are they taking a risky bet on unproven potential? Let us know in the comments!
