Josh Doan (Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/96147985-74aa-48e9-8137-d8dd9496b4c3.jpeg] Josh Doan (Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Images) Let’s be clear – the Buffalo Sabres [http://thn.com/buffalo]’ signing of young winger Josh Doan is very much a gamble. Indeed, when you commit a seven-year, $$48.65-million contract [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-sign-josh-doan-to-seven-year-extension] to a 23-year-old who came into the current season with exactly 62 games of NHL experience, you’re gambling. But as we’ll explain below, the Sabres can afford to take this type of gamble. "The Big Show" As it stands, the Sabres will still have approximately $13.2 million [https://puckpedia.com/team/buffalo-sabres] in salary cap space when Doan’s new contract kicks in beginning next season. Doan’s average annual value of $6.95-million [https://puckpedia.com/team/buffalo-sabres] may seem pricey, but if he develops into a 30-goal-scorer either this year or soon thereafter, Doan’s salary could come to be regarded as a serious bargain. With Doan’s contract done, there will be nobody wondering whether Doan could follow the guy he was traded for – sniper J.J. Peterka – and orchestrate an exit out of town a few years from now. Now, you have him for a full seven years, and he’s a cost-certain asset. But there’s no question Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen has gambled on Doan. Steep Price Sharks Paid For Sherwood Should Be Price Sabres Are Willing To Pay To Make Their Own Major Move [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/0503696b-c63d-4b92-8fcd-c93fe32d8052.jpeg] Steep Price Sharks Paid For Sherwood Should Be Price Sabres Are Willing To Pay To Make Their Own Major Move The San Jose Sharks made a big move, acquiring Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks. But the price the Sharks paid to improve should be the same type of price the Buffalo Sabres should be willing to pay to make their own major move. Because standing pat isn't an option for this Sabres squad. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/steep-price-sharks-paid-for-sherwood-should-be-price-sabres-are-willing-to-pay-to-make-their-own-major-move] The reality, though, is that these are the type of deals teams make all the time. They project on players, and sometimes, they project wrongly. But the bottom line is this – Buffalo has to make these projections if they want to keep players on the rise in town. Now, the Sabres know they’ve got Doan to stay in the top-six of the team. Now, they can now worry about players pushing their way out of town the way Peterka did. It’s about committing more now for the Sabres in hope of the contract looking like it was worthwhile. Sabres Facing Crucial Stretch That Could Define Their Season [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5229a0ab-dc74-4d55-9a3c-cbd15123c7a4.jpeg] Sabres Facing Crucial Stretch That Could Define Their Season The Buffalo Sabres' playoff hopes could hinge on a grueling 10-game stretch. Can they rise to the challenge and end their 14-year playoff drought? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-facing-crucial-stretch-that-could-define-their-season] Doan could be a terrific winger for a long time in this league. And the Sabres believe he’s worth the investment. Time will tell whether they were right to do so.
