Buffalo Sabres
5 NHL Players One Insider Expects to Sign Early Extensions
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman predicted five useful players who could be candidates for early NHL extensions.
Elliotte Friedman released another edition of his 32 Thoughts written column, jam-packed with news and worthwhile NHL updates. One of his thoughts that caught my eye was the list of five players who could be getting early extensions now that Jan. 1 has passed.
5 Extensions to Watch For
Friedman mentioned that Jan. 1 is the earliest date players on a one-year deal can be extended. Here’s what he wrote:
“One that sounds like it will happen: Eric Robinson, a good fit in Carolina. Another good bet: Edmonton’s Ty Emberson, looking strong after an initial adjustment. Can’t imagine too much trouble for Toronto and Steven Lorentz. Vancouver will try with Kevin Lankinen, but he’s earned a raise and some security. And it’s believed Buffalo will try to keep Jason Zucker.”
Seeking Another One-Year Deal?
There are some solid depth players listed here. Eric Robinson, Ty Emberson, and Steven Lorentz will likely secure at least another one-year deal. Robinson has been excellent for the Carolina Hurricanes this season, which will work in his favor.
As for Emberson, some doubted the fit when he joined the Edmonton Oilers, but he has had a strong season and could earn a multi-year extension. He’ll go from a Group 6 UFA to a restricted free agent this season, affecting the numbers the Oilers get him signed to.
Lorentz is a hometown kid who loves playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has brought a new energy and helped strengthen their fourth line. It wouldn’t be surprising if he also earned a multi-year deal.
Is It Worth Extending?
As for Jason Zucker and Kevin Lankinen, both players might push for more term than a one-year extension. Starting with Zucker, Friedman mentioned that the Buffalo Sabres wanted to keep him. However, if the Sabres fall out of the Wild Card race by the deadline, they could move him for additional assets.

Lankinen is in an interesting position. The Vancouver Canucks owe many of their wins this season to his stellar play. Because of this, he will likely seek both a raise and some term. However, there’s a risk involved. If Lankinen were to sign a deal worth $3.5 million over three seasons and underperform, he could find himself in a situation similar to Jack Campbell‘s, where a buyout becomes necessary. A smarter approach might be a contract worth $1.5–$2 million annually for two to three seasons. This gives him a raise and some stability without making it too difficult to trade him if needed.
Any NHL team with players on one-year deals can now begin negotiations for contract extensions. Between now and the NHL Trade Deadline, we should expect a handful of extensions finalized, including those for the five players Friedman mentioned.
Next: Former Center Linked as Potential Trade Target for Maple Leafs
