Sabres Lock Up Key RFA Zach Benson To Long-Term Deal
BUFFALO BENNY ⚔️
— NHL (@NHL) June 25, 2026
Zach Benson has signed a seven-year contract with the @BuffaloSabres!
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It's a seven-year deal with a $7.5 million AAV. A strong move for both the Sabres and player.
Benson, 21, was a first-round pick (13th overall) in 2023, and had a breakout campaign this season, with career highs in goals (13), assists (30) and points (43) as well as in plus/minus rating (+27).
But the two-way force really came to prominence in the playoffs, where he was a force in every way on the ice. He recorded five goals and four assists for nine points in 13 postseason games in over 17 minutes of average ice time. He made his presence felt by being a constant irritant to opposing players, drawing 11 penalties in the playoffs, third most in the league for the entire postseason. His aggressive play had many comparing him to the ultimate "rat" Brad Marchand.
“I see him as a true core piece that fills all the boxes,” general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen said after the Sabres' playoff run ended. "I can’t say enough good things about Zach Benson. He’s got skill, he’s got hockey sense, he’s got instincts, he’s relentless, he’s a competitor. What a great playoff he had and, again, I’m so excited about the level that he can get to."
Seven more years of Zach Benson in Buffalo.
