Buffalo Sabres announce two major contract extensions

The Buffalo Sabres are aiming to do whatever it takes to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in over a decade, and they've made several moves towards that goal as they enter the 2022-23 NHL Season. 

And in the meantime, they've announced two major contract extensions. In the first place, they've inked head coach Don Granato to a multi-year extension. He's entering his second full season as Sabres head coach, having earned the interim label in March of 2021. 

"Don's passion for the game and leadership skills have been on display since the moment we met," Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said. "He is someone who the players have a tremendous amount of respect for, and he dedicates himself to bettering each individual on the team. 

"Don's mentality of 'earning it' resonates throughout the team - it is more than just a mindset, it is a driving force for our players and staff. I appreciate his thoughtfulness when it comes to developing our players and the open communication we are able to have about the team. I am happy to extend Don's contract, keeping him in Western New York for many years to come."

And secondly, they've inked defenseman Mattias Samuelsson to a seven year extension worth $30 million; the deal carries an AAV of $4.2 million.

He was drafted with the 32nd overall selection in the 2018 NHL Draft, and he spent last season finishing the year paired on the top defensive unite with Rasmus Dhalin. 

"I've taken huge jumps," Samuelsson said in May. "Personally, I think just being up here for however many games it was, the style of play, we play with no hesitation. I think it allows you to develop and just play on instincts rather than thinking so much of systems or details or anything like that. I think I've grown a lot as a player this year and can carry that over into next year training camp, and just keep going."

In 54 career games, he's registered 12 assists, along with a -18 plus/minus rating.