Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres have locked up one of their depth pieces at forward, re-signing Tyson Kozak to a three-year contract worth $2.325 million. That means he'll make $775,000 per-season.
The former seventh-round pick of the Sabres in the 2021 NHL Draft has developed nicely over his couple of years in Rochester playing with the Americans. In 127 games over three seasons, Kozak has scored 18 goals and registered 18 assists for 36 points mostly as a middle-six forward.
With the Amerks during the 2024-25 campaign, Kozak managed to net eight goals and add six assists for 14 points in 31 games. In the playoffs, Kozak put up four points (1+3) in eight games for Rochester.
While not a very flashy or productive player and being a bit undersized, Kozak is a workhorse that is not afraid to get to the dirty areas of the ice to win a battle and make a play. It was that style of play this past season in Rochester that earned the 22-year-old his first NHL call-up.
In 21 games with the Sabres as a bottom-six piece, Kozak managed to score three goals and add two assists for five points. His first NHL goal came in his second NHL game when he scored in a 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club, now Mammoth.
Kozak will likely be among a group of players up front battling it out for a roster spot in the bottom-six of the Sabres' roster come training camp.