The Buffalo Sabres are looking to keep two of their key players around. While speaking to reporters, including The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7296530/2026/05/21/alex-tuch-buffalo-sabres-exit-interviews-injuries/], Jarmo Kekalainen shared that he has told forward Zach Benson and defenseman Bowen Byram that he would like to sign them both to long-term extensions. It is not difficult to understand why Kekalainen is hoping to keep both Benson and Byram around for a long time. They were both big reasons for the Sabres taking a big step forward this campaign. Benson is a pending restricted free agent and will certainly be getting a raise. The 21-year-old forward took a major step in the right direction this season and fully embraced an agitator role. In 65 games this regular-season for Buffalo, he set new career highs with 13 goals, 30 assists, 43 points, and a plus-27 rating. He also had five goals, nine points, and 64 penalty minutes in 13 playoff games this spring. As for Byram, he is eligible for a contract extension starting July 1. The 24-year-old defenseman will be a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) next season if he does not sign an extension before the start of the campaign. Given the season he had, it is nor shocking that the Sabres are hoping to extend him. In 82 games this season, he scored 11 goals and set a new career high with 42 points. He is an important part of Buffalo's top four and would be a tough player to lose.
