In a move that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, the Buffalo Sabres have secured Josh Doan for the long haul, signing the young forward to a seven-year, $48.65 million contract that kicks in next season. But here's where it gets controversial: is this deal a bold investment in the future or a risky bet on a player who’s yet to prove himself as a consistent star? Let’s dive in.
Doan, just 23, has been on fire this season, his first with the Sabres, setting career highs with 15 goals, 20 assists, and 35 points in just 49 games. These numbers are impressive, especially considering he could have tested the market as a restricted free agent after the season. But this is the part most people miss: his performance isn’t just about stats—it’s about the intangibles he brings to the locker room, something Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen highlighted when he said, ‘Josh is a player that impacts the team both on and off the ice. He works hard, is competitive and skilled, and his game is going to continue to develop.’
Acquired from the Utah Mammoth in a trade last June alongside defenseman Michael Kesselring, Doan has already made his mark in Buffalo. Originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the second round (No. 37) of the 2021 NHL Draft, he’s tallied 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists) in 111 games across his time with the Coyotes, Mammoth, and now the Sabres. But the big question remains: can he sustain this level of play over the next seven years? And is $6.95 million per year a fair price for a player still finding his footing in the league?
Kekalainen is confident, stating, ‘We believe he will be a core piece of this team moving forward, and I am excited to have him as a Buffalo Sabre long term.’ But not everyone agrees. Critics argue that the Sabres, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2011, might be putting too much faith in a player who’s yet to prove himself in high-pressure situations. After all, Buffalo currently sits fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 27-17-5 record, clinging to the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Doan’s performance in the postseason, should they make it, could be the ultimate test of this deal’s worth.
Is this contract a game-changer for the Sabres, or a gamble that could backfire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure: Josh Doan’s journey in Buffalo is just beginning, and the hockey world will be watching closely to see if he lives up to this massive commitment.
