In a move that’s sure to shake up the hockey world, Josh Doan has inked a massive 7-year, $48.65 million deal with the Buffalo Sabres, locking down one of the league’s rising stars through the prime of his career. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this contract a bold investment in the future or a risky gamble on a player who’s yet to prove himself as a consistent top-tier performer? Let’s dive in.
The 23-year-old forward 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: Doan’s journey to Buffalo wasn’t a straightforward one. He was acquired last June in a trade with the Utah Mammoth, alongside defenseman Michael Kesselring, in exchange for forward JJ Peterka—a deal that raised eyebrows at the time.
Originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the second round (No. 37) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Doan has amassed 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists) in 111 games across stints with the Coyotes, Mammoth, and now the Sabres. His versatility and skill haven’t gone unnoticed. Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen praised Doan, saying, ‘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. 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 here’s the kicker: the Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since 2011, and while they currently sit fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 27-17-5 record, holding the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, their postseason drought is a glaring question mark. Is Doan the missing piece to finally end that streak? Or is this contract a premature celebration of potential?
This deal undoubtedly signals Buffalo’s commitment to building a contender, but it also opens the door for debate. Are the Sabres overpaying for unproven talent, or is this the kind of bold move needed to compete in today’s NHL? Let us know what you think in the comments—is this contract a slam dunk or a risky play?
