The Buffalo Sabres on Friday signed defenseman Zach Metsa, one of their biggest surprises last season, to a one-year, one-way contract extension worth $900,000.
Metsa, 27, is entering the final season of a two-year, two-way deal worth $1.63 million he signed in 2025. He can become an unrestricted free agent when his extension expires following the 2027-28 season.
After signing his first NHL contract last year, the 5-foot-9, 198-pound Metsa earned his first recall from the Rochester Americans in October, playing four games.
When he returned to Buffalo shortly before Christmas, Metsa began carving out semi-regular duty on the third defense pairing. The safe, efficient style he showcased in limited ice time (10 minutes, 58 seconds per outing) helped him quickly earn coach Lindy Ruff’s trust.
He compiled two goals, eight points and a gaudy plus-16 – the second-highest rating by a Sabres rookie, trailing only the plus-39 Danny Gare registered in 1974-75 – in 43 games last season.
Metsa, who captained the Amerks, also recorded two goals and 15 points in 19 appearances with the AHL team.
He turned pro late in the 2022-23 season, signing a two-year AHL contract after winning the national championship at Quinnipiac University.