Imagine a young hockey star igniting a sold-out arena with his relentless energy, only to be rewarded with a long-term commitment that solidifies his place in the team’s future. That’s exactly what happened when the Buffalo Sabres signed forward Josh Doan to a seven-year contract extension, locking him in through the 2032-33 season. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this deal isn’t just about securing a talented player—it’s about cementing a culture of grit, skill, and unwavering determination that’s transforming the Sabres into a force to be reckoned with.
Earlier this month, Doan’s impact was on full display during a thrilling win against Anaheim. His spirited fight and relentless backcheck not only energized the crowd at KeyBank Center but also directly contributed to a goal. ‘You can feel the energy off every play,’ Doan remarked. ‘We were told coming here that, when you’re winning, it’s the best place to play, and you’re starting to feel that.’ That electric atmosphere is no coincidence—it’s a testament to players like Doan, who bring a playoff-level intensity to every regular-season game.
The extension, valued at an average annual worth of $6.95 million, ensures Doan remains a cornerstone of the Sabres’ lineup. General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen praised Doan’s unique blend of on-ice impact and off-ice leadership: ‘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 this is the part most people miss: Doan’s journey to Buffalo wasn’t just a trade—it was a fresh start that allowed him to refocus and elevate his game.
Acquired from Utah alongside defenseman Michael Kesselring in exchange for forward JJ Peterka, Doan quickly embraced his new role. After scoring 19 points in 51 NHL games last season, he spent the offseason studying elite net-front scorers, a role he’s now thriving in on the Sabres’ power play. Teammate Tage Thompson, who’s trained with Doan in Arizona and played with him at the IIHF World Championship, hinted at Doan’s untapped potential: ‘He does have skill and can score… He’s one of those guys that will go to war for you and do anything to help the team win.’
Midway through this season, Thompson’s words have proven prophetic. Doan is having a career year, ranking third on the Sabres in goals (15), fourth in assists (20), and fourth in points (35). His league-leading 35 takeaways highlight his tenacious defensive play, while his 54.9% expected goals share at 5-on-5 (per Stathletes) underscores his all-around impact. Coach Lindy Ruff couldn’t help but praise Doan’s effort after a recent game: ‘That’s just determination. That’s not quitting on a play… It was just a great play.’
But here’s the controversial part: Is Doan already a franchise player, or is he still just scratching the surface of his potential? Some argue that his current stats are impressive but not yet elite. Others believe his work ethic and intangibles make him the kind of player teams build around. What do you think? Is Doan the Sabres’ next Jason Pominville, whose combination of skill and grit earned him a spot in the Sabres Hall of Fame? Or is he carving out a legacy all his own?
One thing’s for sure: with Doan’s extension, the Sabres are betting big on his future. And with restricted free agency looming for Kesselring, Zach Benson, and Peyton Krebs this summer, the front office has some tough decisions ahead. For now, though, Sabres fans can celebrate seven more years of Doan’s relentless energy and unwavering commitment. As one fan-made sign in KeyBank Center aptly puts it: ‘Doan Stop Believin’.’ Will you be there to see what’s next? Catch the Sabres’ next home game on Thursday, Jan. 29, against Los Angeles—it’s bound to be electric. (Tickets available at Ticketmaster)
