The number seven was a joke on Seinfeld but now it means a lot for the Buffalo Sabres. They recently signed winger Josh Doan to a seven-year contract extension. Doan has emerged as a leader and scorer for Buffalo this season.
The extension was earned for Doan but the question remains as to what it means for the Sabres at the trade deadline. They still have decisions to make for both the long-term or short-term.
With the extension, and Tage Thompson signed through 2030, it seems they have a one-two punch for years to come to find the back of the net. However, what does that mean for other moves? Will they re-sign Alex Tuch or trade him at the deadline? Is Owen Power or Peyton Krebs still an option to get moved at the deadline?
Tuch may be the odd man out, whether they trade him or chose to move on at the end of the season. Krebs seems to have found a role on the team, but he always seems to be on the trading block.
Both Josh Doan and Peyton Krebs are younger than 25 and could be a key part of the Buffalo Sabres' future
Krebs getting a contract extension would be easier and less expensive for the Sabres compared to Tuch. In addition, Buffalo's decision to sign Doan to an extension midseason could mean one is coming for Krebs, too.
The new management may be looking to get younger. Now that leads to what the Sabres will do with Power. On the defensive end he is polarizing, and the Sabres now are looking to build for the future. Power has struggled and the Sabres may be looking for another scorer instead of defenseman.
Meanwhile, Doan could be one of the key reasons why the Sabres finally breakthrough to the postseason. New management seems to be making decisions based on the future and understanding the situation they are in.
If the Sabres look to deal Tuch or Power, one short-term answer they may want to look at is Justin Sourdif of the Washington Capitals. The young right winger has been playing strong accounting for 21 points this season thus far, though it's unclear if the Caps have any interest in moving him.
He is a restricted free agent in 2027, so the Sabres could bring him in for a look before signing him to join Doan and Thompson. He is younger than Tuch and may have more future upside if they wanted to look another option moving forward.
Tuch could be a bargaining chip in other trades, and the Sabres would have to give up assets to get Sourdif, but the focus has clearly shifted toward sustainable success, not just making it to one playoff series to end the drought.