One of the league's biggest pests breaking the bank with massive extension!

The Buffalo Sabres appear determined to secure one of their brightest young talents for the foreseeable future. After a season that saw the franchise return to the postseason spotlight, the front office is wasting no time making moves to keep its core intact heading into the next chapter.

According to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, the Sabres are actively working on a contract extension for forward Zach Benson that could land in the range of seven years with an average annual value exceeding $7 million. Weekes noted that the deal would be comparable to the contract Buffalo previously gave to Doan, signaling the organization's belief in Benson as a cornerstone of the franchise.

From Pest to Playoff Hero

Benson's path to a potential big payday has been anything but ordinary. The 21-year-old winger, listed at 5-foot-10 and 177 pounds, first cracked the NHL roster at just 18 years old, relying on an aggressive, high-energy style that made him a nightmare for opposing teams. But it was his performance during the 2026 playoffs that truly elevated his standing around the league.

In 13 postseason games, Benson tallied five goals, tying teammate Tage Thompson for the team lead. He also racked up a staggering 64 penalty minutes, the most of any player in the NHL this postseason and well above his 42 regular-season minutes in 65 games. His combination of skill and grit made him a constant focal point on the ice.

Benson delivered in the biggest moments. He scored the goal that gave Buffalo a two-goal cushion in the third period of Game 6 in Boston, clinching the franchise's first playoff series win in 19 years. He also netted the game-winning power-play goal in Game 4 against Montreal. One opposing scout praised his fearlessness, noting that Benson is never afraid to mix it up regardless of the size of his opponent, and possesses a sneaky skill set that can embarrass defenders.

His impact went beyond the scoresheet. During the regular season, the Sabres posted a dominant 44-14-7 record with Benson in the lineup, compared to a 6-9-2 mark when he was sidelined by injury. The numbers paint a clear picture of just how vital he has become to the team's success.

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen has been effusive in his praise of Benson, calling him "a true core piece that fills all the boxes." While acknowledging the forward's lack of prototypical size, Kekalainen emphasized that everything else about Benson's game is elite, from his hockey sense and instincts to his relentless competitiveness.

Kekalainen also pointed out that Benson is still in the early stages of his development. Selected 13th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Benson was the youngest regular player on the Sabres roster this season. The GM noted with a laugh that Benson had only just turned 21, barely old enough for a legal beer during the playoff run, and expressed excitement about the player he could become as he physically matures.

With Benson set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, the reported extension would remove any uncertainty about his future in Buffalo. If the deal comes together as described, it would represent a significant financial commitment to a player who has quickly become one of the most exciting young forwards in the league.