The Buffalo Sabres have multiple players due for new contracts their off-season. One of them is forward Zach Benson, as his entry-level deal expired at the end of the 2025-26 season. However, based on a new report, it is appears that Benson will soon be locked up by the Sabres. According to ESPN's Kevin Weekes [https://x.com/KevinWeekes/status/2068023429312164256], the Sabres are making progess on a long-term contract extension with Benson. In addition, Weekes shared that Benson's new deal could be in the seven-year, $7 million AAV range. When looking at the season Benson just had, it makes sense that the Sabres are working to sign him long-term. He cemented himself as an incredibly important part of their forward group this season due to his mixture of skill and grit. In 65 games this regular-season with the Sabres, Benson set new career highs with 13 goals, 30 assists, and 43 points. He also was one of the Sabres' most impactful players during the playoffs, as he recorded five goals, nine points, and 64 penalty minutes in 13 games. Benson is the kind of heart-and-soul player that the Sabres should be making a long-term part of their core. It will be interesting to see what his next deal ends up being, but based on Weekes' report, it could be a big one for the 2023 first-round pick.
