Sabres sign former undrafted free agent to 1-year contract extension

Sep 5, 2026 - 19:00

It won’t be long now before the Buffalo Sabres gather for Training Camp as they look to capitalize on the success that they enjoyed during the 2025-26 NHL season, in which they returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011; they also won their division for the first time since 2007, a 19-year gap.

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who took over from the fired Kevyn Adams in mid-December, has announced that Sabres defenseman Zach Metsa has been extended with a one-year contract worth $900,000.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Zach Metsa to a one-year contract extension worth $900,000. pic.twitter.com/pyMZibKHeU
— Buffalo Sabres PR (@SabresPR) September 4, 2026

Metsa emerged as one of the ECAC’s top defensemen during his four seasons for the Quinnipiac University Bobcats. He broke out as a junior in 2020-21 with five goals and 21 assists in 29 games, earning First-Team All-ECAC honors.

As a senior, Metsa recorded 37 points in 42 games and helped Quinnipiac become one of the nation’s strongest defensive teams. He was named the ECAC’s Best Defensive Defenseman, earned another First-Team All-ECAC selection, and was an AHCA East First-Team All-American. He captained Quinnipiac to the 2023 national championship before turning pro. He signed with the Rochester Americans, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Sabres in April 2023 and joined the team for its playoff run.

Two years later, he earned his first NHL contract by signing a one-year, two-way deal with the Sabres. Metsa scored his first NHL goal in January 2026 against the Vancouver Canucks, and ultimately played in 43 games during the 2025-26 NHL season, scoring twice and adding four assists. He also appeared in two Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Sabres, scoring his first playoff goal in Game 6 of the second round against the Montreal Canadiens in an 8-3 win.

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