The Buffalo Sabres locked up an important player for the long term by signing forward Zach Benson to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract ($7.5 million AAV), the team announced Wednesday, keeping the winger from becoming a restricted free agent. Benson’s deal comes on the day the Sabres signed forward Alex Tuch to an 8-year, $84 million contract, then dealt him to Washington as part of a sign-and-trade transaction.
Benson’s contract extension comes on the heels of a nine-point playoff performance (5G 4A), during which he helped lead the Sabres to its first playoff series win since 2007. The 21-year-old Benson posted career highs in points (43), goals (13) and assists (30) in the 2025-26 regular season.