Sabres sign Zach Benson to a seven-year extension

Where we really saw him shine was the postseason. Benson tied Tage Thompson for the team lead with five goals and chipped in four assists across two rounds, and his agitating style drew 11 penalties, third most of any player in the postseason. During the playoffs with Benson on the ice at even strength, Buffalo outscored opponents 12-6 and controlled 61 percent of the expected goals, per Natural Stat Trick. The Sabres went 32-3-4 when he recorded a point, including the playoffs, per Justin Alpert with Sabres.com.

Benson sits sixth in franchise history for points before age 21, with 101 across his three seasons. GM Jarmo Kekäläinen called him a true core piece “that fills all the boxes” in May, and the term reflects that conviction. Buffalo buys all seven of Benson’s prime years at a number that projects favorably if his scoring keeps trending toward a top-line role. As Buffalo has cashed out on moving veterans for picks and cap space, locking up a 21-year-old at term is the other side of the same strategy; making room while securing the players they’re building around. The big week for the Sabres continues, and Buffalo fans have a lot to be excited about.