One of the big questions for the Buffalo Sabres last season was their third pair on defense, and they were forced to try different combinations. They even made a trade at the deadline with the Winnipeg Jets for Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn.
However, no matter what they tried, they seemingly always came back to Zach Metsa. He showed how valuable he can be to this team and was recently rewarded with a one-year extension.
Metsa joined the Sabres' organization in 2023 and played in over 140 games over four seasons. He was a key part of that team and was even named captain last season. In his last full season in Rochester, he had 46 points in 69 games, and in 19 games this past season, he had 15 points.
He wouldn't spend the whole season there, as he made his NHL debut early last season against the Montreal Canadiens, in the Sabres' sixth game of the season. Metsa bounced between Buffalo and Rochester but ended up playing 43 regular-season games and two playoff games.
The concern with Metsa was always his size at 5'9", but he showed last season that it didn't really keep him back. In fact, he finished with the lowest goals against per 60 minutes in 5v5 situations on the Sabres at 1.06, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Buffalo Sabres believe Zach Metsa can be a key part of their blueline
The new contract for Metsa keeps him in Buffalo through the 2027-28 season, as he was set to be a free agent after this season. What is notable about the extension, and signals how the team views him, is that it is a one-way deal.
Looking ahead to the next two seasons, Metsa is going to be a great player to have on the roster. He likely plays that seventh defenseman role, so he won't see consistent ice time, but in spot starts or if there is an injury, he is a smart player who can deliver meaningful minutes.
Typically, these spots are not a priority, but Jarmo Kekalainen has been proactive this offseason, ensuring they got good players to round out their roster. The Sabres signed Beck Malenstyn to a six-year deal, Peyton Krebs to a four-year deal, and now Metsa has received a one-year extension.
It may have taken a little longer for Zach Metsa to get to the NHL but after making the most of his opportunities last season, he looks like he is here to stay as a part of the Sabres roster.
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