4 Buffalo Sabres Players Who Will Outperform Their Contracts in 2025-26
When it comes to the Buffalo Sabres, their history is marked by both regrettable decisions and some remarkable successes in player contracts. While the team has certainly made its share of poor choices, there have also been instances where players have provided exceptional value that far exceeds their average annual value, AAV. As we look ahead to the 202526 season, there are four players on the Sabres successes roster who are poised to significantly outperform their current contracts. Alex Touque. Let’s kick things off with Alex Touque, a player who may not find himself on this list next season regardless of whether he remains in Buffalo or moves to another NHL team. Touque is entering the final year of his contract which carries an AAV of $4.75 million ranking him seventh among Sabres players tied with Jason Zucker. However, many would argue that Touque ranks as the third best player on the team following only Ta Thompson and Rasmus Dalene. Over the past five seasons, Tuck has consistently recorded at least 59 points. And last season, he scored 36 goals, finishing with a total of 67 points, which placed him second in goals and tied for fourth in overall points on the team. The Sabres are actively working to secure a new contract for Tuck, aiming to keep him in Buffalo for the long haul. Given his importance to the team, it’s almost certain that his next contract will come with a substantial increase in AAV, better reflecting his true value, Zack Benson. Next up is Zack Benson, who has gradually seen his role expand within the Sabres offense over the last two seasons. With JJ Purka’s departure, Bening is presented with a golden opportunity to step into a more prominent role. There’s a possibility that he could find himself on the top line alongside Taage Thompson. If this happens, it’s likely that Benson will surpass his previous career high of 30 points achieved in the 2023 24 season. While Tuck’s performance is more of a sure thing, Benson’s breakout season is not guaranteed just yet. However, with an AAV of under $1 million, the potential for him to exceed expectations this season makes him a player to watch closely. Jerry Kulich. Jerry Kulich finds himself in a similar position as Benson with ample opportunity ahead of him this season. If he can secure a spot on the top line and deliver strong performances, he could emerge as one of the best bargains on the Sabres roster. Last season marked Kulich’s first full year as a starter where he played 62 games netting 15 goals and adding nine assists with an average ice time of 1448 minutes. If he plays alongside Thompson, his ice time is likely to increase. And if his production rises accordingly, the Sabres will be thrilled to have a player of his caliber at an AAV of just $886,666. Michael Kessler Ring. Finally, we have Michael Kessler, who was acquired by the Sabres in a trade this off season. He currently holds an AAV of $1.4 million and will become a restricted free agent next summer. This season, he is expected to be paired with Owen Power. And if he secures a spot on the second defensive pairing, he will represent excellent value, especially considering he has one of the lowest AAVs among the Sabres defenseman. Kessle Ring had a solid showing last season with Utah, playing all 82 games and finishing with 29 points while averaging 1741 minutes of ice time and achieving a career-high Cory4 percentage of 54.1. Even if he maintains similar statistics this season, he is likely to be one of the players who significantly outperforms his contract in the 202526 season. In conclusion, while the Buffalo Sabres have had their fair share of contract blunders, these four players, Alex Tuck, Zack Benson, Jerry Kulich, and Michael Kessler are set to provide exceptional value relative to their contracts in the upcoming season. What do you think? Do you agree with this assessment or do you see other players who might outperform their contracts? Share your thoughts in the comments.
The Buffalo Sabres have made some great bargains in terms of player contracts.
This season, four players are likely to outperform their current contracts.
These players include Alex Tuch, Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, and Michael Kesselring.
Each of these players has the potential to bring more value to the team than their AAV would reflect.
Alex Tuch is entering the final year of his contract and has been a key part of the team.
Zach Benson has seen his role grow in the offense and could end up on the top line.
Jiri Kulich has plenty of opportunity ahead of him and could seize a spot on the top line.
Michael Kesselring was traded for this offseason and is expected to be paired with Owen Power.
These players are likely to outperform their contracts and bring significant value to the Buffalo Sabres in the 2025-26 season.
