Montreal, Quebec (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Sabres have been so impressed with Josh Doan, they’ve already rewarded the forward with a seven-year, $48.65 million contract extension, which equates to $6.95 million annually against the salary cap.
Next year’s cap will rise to $104 million, and the Sabres are approximately $16.5 million from it. That’s with Alex Tuch, Michael Kesselring, Zach Benson, Beck Malenstyn, Peyton Krebs and Jacob Bryson still to sign.
Unless general manager Jarmo Kekalainen makes a trade to clear room, all those payers won’t be back.
Doan will be 24 on Feb. 1, and was part of the trade that sent JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth.
In 49 games with Buffalo, Doan has 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points.
In 49 games in Utah, Peterka has 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points. He signed a new deal with Utah that will pay him $7.7 million per-season shortly after the trade.
The winger has already become a fan favorite of the Sabres, because of the desire and tenacity he shows.
"Josh is a player that impacts the team both on and off the ice," said Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen in a statement. "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."
Doan leads the team in one category, according to Stathletes, as he has been on the ice for 54.9% of the expected goals at 5-on-5.
The Sabres had Wednesday off in Montreal. Pat Malacaro is in Montreal for Thursday’s game, and will catch up with Doan, as well as Lindy Ruff at the morning skate.
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