Sabres Sign Josh Doan to Massive New Contract Extension

“Josh is a player that impacts the team both on and off the ice,” Kekäläinen said. “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.”

As per JFresh, Doan is a two-way play-driving winger who forechecks and backchecks like his life depends on it and is increasingly flourishing offensively as well. He was an analytical darling in Utah as a fourth liner and has scaled it up beautifully.

Doan was excited about the new deal, and he sees good things happening in Buffalo. “You can feel the energy off every play,” Doan said. “We were told coming here that, when you’re winning, it’s the best place to play, and you’re starting to feel that.”

The extension comes less than a year after Buffalo acquired Doan and defenseman Michael Kesselring from Utah in exchange for JJ Peterka, a deal that initially raised questions. Doan was viewed as a middle-six forward at the time, but he has exceeded expectations in his first season with the Sabres.

Through 49 games, Doan has already set new career highs with 15 goals and 35 points while averaging over 16 minutes per night. He ranks among Buffalo’s top scorers and has outproduced Peterka this season. His line with Peyton Krebs and Tage Thompson has posted strong underlying numbers, helping justify Buffalo’s long-term investment despite some defensive concerns.