The Buffalo Sabres are currently the top team in the NHL, boasting a remarkable ten-game winning streak. Central to this success is forward Josh Doan, who is making a significant impact during his first season in Western New York. As discussions about potential pay raises heat up, Doan’s performance is drawing considerable attention from analysts and fans alike.
According to The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn, Doan “might be an ideal match” to play alongside Sabres star Tage Thompson for the long term. Fairburn describes Doan as “a building block” for the franchise’s future. While the Sabres are undoubtedly pleased with Doan’s contributions, a key issue looms: his status as a pending restricted free agent.
Doan is set to turn 24 on February 1, and if he enters restricted free agency this summer, he will have arbitration rights. This added leverage could significantly impact negotiations between Doan and the Sabres, particularly given his impressive statistics this season. In 39 games, he has scored 11 goals and accumulated 26 points, putting him on a scoring pace that could yield an impressive 55 points in an 82-game season.
Typically, players eligible for arbitration do not go through the process, but the potential for arbitration can shift the dynamics of contract talks. The possibility of an arbitrator reviewing a case provides greater leverage for players and their representatives compared to those without arbitration rights. Given this context, Doan is likely to command a substantial pay increase this summer.
Fairburn pointed to the recent seven-year contract extension signed by Matthew Coronato of the Calgary Flames, valued at an average annual value (AAV) of $6.5 million, as a benchmark for Doan. If he maintains his current scoring pace, this figure may represent the lower end of what Doan could anticipate in a new deal.
Doan, the son of former NHL star Shane Doan, has significantly raised his profile within the league this season. The Sabres acquired him and defenseman Michael Kesselring from the Utah Mammoth during the summer in exchange for young winger JJ Peterka. At the time, Peterka was considered the more promising player in the trade, but Doan’s emergence could shift the perception of that deal. Currently, Peterka has 29 points in 41 games, only three more than Doan while playing two additional games.
As the NHL salary cap is expected to rise beyond current projections over the next two years, securing Doan with a long-term extension akin to Coronato’s deal may benefit the Sabres financially. Some may argue that the Sabres should refrain from making large, long-term commitments while riding this wave of success, to avoid overpaying for a player enjoying a hot streak.
Nevertheless, the fundamental qualities that make Doan a valuable asset appear stable. His ability to perform consistently suggests he could develop into a solid middle-six winger in the NHL. As discussions about his future continue, the Sabres will need to weigh their options carefully to ensure they capitalize on Doan’s burgeoning talent.
