Zach Benson’s New Rumored Contract Extension is a Massive Win for Sabres

Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen might’ve had some fear in his eyes as he watched Zach Benson become a household name during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Benson had a great regular season that helped the Sabres grab the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Still, it was his Brad Marchand-esque playoff breakout that blended him being a pest and a clutch goalscorer that had Sabres fans falling in love with the undersized forward.

Buffalo came up short against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of the second round. Still, the team has a bright enough future that you can almost guarantee that it won’t be the last time they are on the cusp of Eastern Conference Finals or even a seven-game series with the Canadiens. Benson is an important piece of that future, which is why they are looking to lock him up long-term as he becomes an RFA this offseason. It looks like they’ll get him on a team-friendly deal as well, according to Kevin Weekes via X, formerly Twitter.

“Per sources, I’m told Sabres are working away on a new Contract Extension for Benson, coming off a solid regular season and big playoffs, that could land in 7Yr x 7M+ AAV comparable to their deal with Doan.”

With the salary cap rising, players are going to start asking for some big tickets from their teams. However, Benson is rewarding the Sabres for the trust they showed in him by starting his NHL career as an 18-year-old by taking a bit of a team-friendly deal at just 21. The good thing about burning an entry-level deal early is that there is still plenty of time for that second contract, and a seven-year deal will have Benson cashing in with an elevated salary cap right in the prime of his career at 28.

Next: Following Sabres Elimination in Playoffs, What Now for Alex Tuch?