After a recent win against Anaheim, Josh Doan felt the excitement building at KeyBank Center. His spirited fight and hard backcheck not only motivated his teammates but also fired up the sellout crowd.
“You can feel the energy off every play,” Doan noted. “We were told it’s the best place to play when you’re winning, and now I really get that.”
Doan has officially signed a seven-year contract extension with an average yearly value of $6.95 million. This deal keeps him in Buffalo through the 2032-33 season, a commitment that reflects the Sabres’ faith in his potential.
“Josh is a player who makes a difference both on and off the ice,” said Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen. “He’s hardworking and skilled. We see him as a key player for our future.”
The Sabres acquired Doan from Utah last season, along with defenseman Michael Kesselring, trading forward JJ Peterka in the process. Doan embraced this fresh start, focusing on improving his offensive game after a season where he scored 19 points in 51 NHL games. Over the summer, he studied the techniques of top scorers, hoping to make a bigger impact during power plays.
His teammate, Tage Thompson, who has trained with Doan in Arizona, believes in his abilities. “I’m a bit biased, but he’s skilled and can definitely score,” Thompson said. “He’ll do anything for the team, and that’s exactly what we need.”
The Sabres’ recent statistics show a youth movement paying off; players under 25 are contributing significantly to the team’s performance. This trend aligns with the NHL’s shift toward younger talent, proving that age doesn’t dictate skill or impact. As fans and analysts watch this development, they’re optimistic that Buffalo is finally on a path to long-term success.
With the passionate fan base backing him and the right attitude in play, Doan’s future in Buffalo looks bright, promising an exciting journey ahead for both him and the Sabres.
