The Buffalo Sabres secured one of the franchise’s cornerstone pieces for the foreseeable future Wednesday, signing forward Zach Benson to a seven-year contract worth $52.5 million. The deal carries an average annual value of $7.5 million and keeps the 21-year-old under contract through the 2032-33 season.
Benson emerged as a key part of Buffalo’s young core during the 2025-26 campaign, overcoming an injury-plagued start to produce the best season of his NHL career. After missing 13 games early in the year and enduring a lengthy goal drought, the winger found his rhythm in December and became one of the Sabres’ most reliable two-way forwards.
He finished the regular season with career highs in goals, assists and points, recording 13 goals and 30 assists for 43 points in 65 games. His impact extended well beyond the scoresheet, however, as his relentless forechecking, physical play and ability to win puck battles helped drive Buffalo’s success down the stretch.
Benson elevated his game even further during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He tied for the team lead with five postseason goals while adding four assists, playing a significant role in Buffalo’s series against the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens. His ability to create offense, battle around the net and draw penalties made him one of the Sabres’ most effective playoff performers.
Since being selected 13th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Benson has quickly established himself as one of the league’s promising young forwards. He already owns 101 career regular-season points and ranks among the most productive players in franchise history before the age of 21.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.