Over the summer, the Buffalo Sabres made a big roster move when they traded JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan. At the time of the trade, the only thing fans really knew about Josh Doan was that he was the son of former NHL player Shane Doan.
However, in about 40 games, Josh Doan has become a fan favorite as he has been one of their best players this season and ranks in the Top 5 in goals, assists, points, and power-play goals. He already has set career-highs in each of those categories with his 12 goals, 15 assists, 27 points, and four power-play goals.
The Sabres have given him the chance to have an expanded role for the first time at the NHL level with 16 minutes of ice time per game, two and half minutes more than last season in Utah, and he has taken advantage of it. While there have been plenty of questions about the team over the season, there has seemingly never been a question of Doan based on what he has been able to do game in and game out.
While all eyes are on the contract negotiations for Alex Tuch, which are expected to pick up over the next few weeks, Jarmo Kekalainen should also be in touch with Josh Doan's representatives to try to finalize a new deal sooner rather than later.
Recently, Matthew Fairburn at The Athletic quoted Josh Doan saying, "I want to be here. That’s something me and my agency and my family have made clear. I want to be in Buffalo, and I want to play here."
Buffalo Sabres can break the cycle by signing Josh Doan to an extension
Over the Buffalo Sabres' playoff drought, they have seen some excellent players try to get out of Western New York as quickly as possible. The list includes players like Jack Eichel, JJ Peterka, and Sam Reinhart, to name a few.
However, for a player like Doan who wants to commit to the franchise, it could signal a shift in the perception of the Buffalo Sabres, both internally and around the league. By signing a rising star like Josh Doan to a long-term deal is just another sign that the Sabres are serious about building a competitive roster.
Unlike Tuch, who is an unrestricted free agent, Josh Doan is a restricted free agent, and that certainly gives the Buffalo Sabres a little more leverage. As long as they extend a qualifying offer, which is almost a guarantee, they don't need to rush to sign him as they could match any offer sheet he is given.
Contract extension now for Doan could help the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline
However, the Sabres shouldn't wait for another team to dictate the terms of his next deal. By signing Doan to a long-term deal now, it gives the player what he is looking for, but at the same time could help over the next few weeks heading into the trade deadline.
The Sabres ensuring Doan is here long-term, along with Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, could help persuade players with no-trade clauses to waive those to join the Sabres. It still might be a tough sell, but having a core they can point to, along with a recent 10-game win streak, might be enough to show that things are different and turning a corner.
There is very little downside, and would be a huge first move for Jarmo Kekalainen, to sign Josh Doan to a long-term deal now and make sure the player gets his wish of staying in Buffalo.