Sabres Secure Young Core
Buffalo Sabres Sign Forward Noah Ostlund to an Eight-Year Contract Extension
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Key Points
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Ostlund averaged 13:58 of ice time last season, while his plus-10 even-strength goal differential ranked fourth among NHL rookie forwards.
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Sabres coach Lindy Ruff praised Ostlund’s defensive reliability, saying, “He’s a coach’s dream” because he generally knows where to be and is rarely out of position in the defensive zone.
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Ostlund sustained a lower-body injury during Buffalo’s playoff series against Boston, adding to the injury concerns that have been the main blemish early in his professional career.
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Sabres assistant general manager Jerry Forton compared Ostlund’s competitiveness, hockey sense and ability to score in tight areas to a “poor man’s Jake Guentzel,” while describing him as a pass-first center and distributor.
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Ostlund won just 31% of his faceoffs last season, underscoring why improving his strength and work in the circle will be important if he is to remain a center long term.
The Buffalo Sabres locked up 22-year-old forward Noah Ostlund to an eight-year, $52.8 million extension before a new collective bargaining agreement narrows their options. ESPN reports the deal carries an average annual value of $6.6 million and begins in 2027-28, keeping Ostlund with Buffalo through the 2035-36 season. The move signals the Sabres' confidence in their young core as they attempt to extend a recent end to a 14-season playoff drought.
Ostlund posted 11 goals and 27 points in 60 regular-season games as a rookie, adding a plus-10 even-strength goal differential that ranked fourth among NHL rookie forwards. Reuters notes the 16th overall pick from 2022 sustained a lower-body injury during Buffalo's playoff series against Boston, highlighting early durability concerns. Coach Lindy Ruff praised his defensive positioning, calling him "a coach's dream" for knowing where to be in the defensive zone.
Why Buffalo Moved Fast Before Rules Changed
The Sabres finalized Ostlund's deal before a new CBA takes effect that limits contract extensions to seven years with a player's current team. The Washington Post explains the eight-year term locks in Ostlund's salary long-term and converts future uncertainty into a fixed $6.6 million annual cap charge. If Ostlund develops into a top-two-line center or winger, that rate could look like a bargain within a few years.
Defensive Instincts Shine Despite Faceoff Struggles
Ostlund's best asset is his hockey sense and positioning. He averaged 13:58 of ice time last season and impressed coaching staff with his ability to stay in sync defensively. Ruff's endorsement carries weight — the veteran coach rarely oversells talent, but his "coach's dream" comment reflects how Ostlund rarely finds himself out of position.
The weakness is obvious: Ostlund won just 31% of his faceoffs last season. The Olean Times Herald notes improving his strength and work in the circle will be crucial if he remains a center long-term. The Sabres may need to slide him to winger if his faceoff game doesn't improve significantly.
Playmaking and Competitiveness Drive Comparisons to Guentzel
Sabres assistant GM Jerry Forton compared Ostlund's game to a "poor man's Jake Guentzel" — a pass-first center with strong hockey sense and ability to score in tight areas. Ostlund recorded 16 assists last season, showing he can distribute the puck and create for others. His playmaking, combined with defensive awareness and competitive edge, forms the foundation for the Sabres' belief in his upside.
Anchoring Buffalo's Next Core Alongside Dahlin and Power
The Ostlund extension reinforces Buffalo's strategy of building around young talent. Audacy reports the deal keeps him with the team through 2035-36, anchoring another young core piece alongside Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Zach Benson and Josh Norris. The Sabres are betting this group sustains playoff progress after ending their 14-year drought, but the pressure now falls on all of them to deliver consistent postseason runs.
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