Sources: Sabres, Doan close to 7-year extension

Emily KaplanJan 21, 2026, 06:19 PM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Buffalo Sabres are closing in on a seven-year contract extension for Josh Doan that is worth $6.95 million per season, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The deal includes $7 million in signing bonuses over the first two seasons, sources said, and it also includes a seven-team no-trade clause when Doan is eligible. Doan, 23, was set to be a restricted free agent this summer. He joined the Sabres last season with defenseman Michael Kesselring in a blockbuster trade that sent JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. Doan is third on the Sabres with 15 goals and 20 assists through 49 games this season. His extension is the first major piece of business for general manager Jarmo Kekkalainen, who replaced Kevyn Adams in December. The Sabres have turned around their season, going an NHL-best 16-3-1 since Dec.