The Buffalo Sabres have finalized a three-year contract extension with restricted free agent Tyson Kozak, while also signing unrestricted free agent winger Justin Danforth to a two-year deal, strengthening their forward lineup ahead of the upcoming <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL seasons. These moves were confirmed on Tuesday, aiming to boost depth and veteran presence on the team.

Details on Tyson Kozak’s New Three-Year Agreement

Twenty-two-year-old Tyson Kozak, who appeared in his first 21 NHL games with the Sabres during the 2024-25 season, has secured a contract for three more years with the club. Kozak, a 2021 seventh-round draft pick (No. 193 overall) out of Souris, Manitoba, developed through the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks before stepping into professional play. His new deal includes a $775,000 annual cap hit, reflecting his role as a dependable bottom-six forward within Buffalo’s system.

Veteran Addition: Justin Danforth’s Two-Year Contract

Justin Danforth, 32, joins the Sabres on a two-year contract valued at $1.8 million annually. Danforth, a 5’8″ winger, has spent his entire NHL tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he compiled 31 goals and 64 points across 183 games over parts of four seasons. Known for his unique path to the NHL, Danforth’s career took him from Sacred Heart University and the OJHL’s Cobourg Cougars to professional leagues in Finland and Russia’s KHL before breaking into the NHL as a reliable bottom-six forward.

Danforth’s Career Journey and Role with Buffalo

Danforth’s experience includes three seasons overseas, two in Finland’s Liiga and one with Vityaz Podolsk in the KHL, before returning to North America and establishing himself in the NHL. Despite never having played in a Stanley Cup Playoff game, he aims to contribute to ending Buffalo’s prolonged postseason absence. His reputation for perseverance and adaptability is expected to bring valuable depth and scoring potential to the Sabres forward group.

Kozak’s Performance and Potential Impact

During his recent stint, Kozak scored three goals and earned five points in 21 games, demonstrating his suitability for a bottom-six forward role through a gritty and dependable style. His progression within the Sabres organization underscores the team’s confidence in his development and ability to contribute consistently over the length of his new contract.

Sabres’ Current Roster Moves and Ongoing Discussions

Alongside these forward additions, Buffalo’s most notable offseason signing thus far is goaltender Alex Lyon. However, substantial attention remains focused on restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram, whose contract situation has sparked trade speculation in recent months. The Sabres’ measured approach in the unrestricted free agent market suggests strategic planning as they build toward a more competitive roster.

“Forward Justin Danforth to Buffalo on a two-year deal with an AAV of $1.8 million” — Bob McKenzie, TSN