Zach Benson, Sabres agree to $52.5 million contract extension

The Buffalo Sabres have had a busy offseason so far, trading Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday before sending Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen is not done, however, as he took care of major internal business regarding young forward Zach Benson.

Benson and the Sabres have signed a seven-year contract extension, the team confirmed on Wednesday evening. Benson’s new contract carries an annual average value of $7.5 million. As a result of this deal, the 21-year-old has avoided hitting restricted free agency on July 1 when NHL Free Agency begins.

Benson enjoyed a career year in 2025-26 as the Sabres returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He scored 13 goals and 43 points in 65 games. His efforts helped Buffalo win the Atlantic Division and snap a 14-year postseason drought.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the young forward came alive. He tied star forward Tage Thompson for the team lead in goals throughout their playoff run. He also added four assists for a total of nine points. The Sabres came within a game of the Eastern Conference Finals. However, they lost in seven games to the Montreal Canadiens in round two.

Clearly, Buffalo views Benson as an integral part of the team’s future. This contract is a sign of major faith in the 21-year-old. With Tuch now on to the Capitals, there could be a larger role for the former 13th overall selection, as well. If the Sabres want to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. they will need to lean on Benson in 2026-27.