Buffalo Sabres Sign Three-Year Contract with Noah Östlund
Buffalo, New York The Buffalo Sabres have officially signed Swedish centre Noah Östlund to a three-year, entry-level contract worth $4.275 million as part of a calculated attempt to enhance their lineup. The organisation announced the deal on Monday. It has a $1.425 million annual average value (AAV) and a $888,000 cap hit per season.
The Sabres selected 19-year-old Östlund (16th overall) in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft. The youthful forward has demonstrated a great deal of promise both in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he excels for Djurgårdens IF, and in his play for his country. Östlund is a well-known player with hockey intelligence, agility, and playmaking ability. As the Sabres continue their reconstruction, he should provide depth and quality to their forward lines.
Kevyn Adams, general manager of the Sabres, expressed enthusiasm for the signing. “On the ice, Noah is a dynamic player who possesses extraordinary vision and inventiveness. His growth has greatly impressed us, and we think he has the ability to have a big influence on our company. Our dedication to developing a competitive team for the future is demonstrated by this signing,” Adams remarked.
Östlund’s entry-level contract, which combines a base pay with performance bonuses that might increase his earnings, mirrors the league’s typical arrangement for highly-touted selection picks. The $888,000 cap hit is seen to be a team-friendly amount, giving the Sabres financial flexibility as they work to further develop their youthful core and sign free agents.
Östlund showed his ability to play a responsible two-way game and contribute offensively when he collected 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 48 games during his most recent season with Djurgårdens IF. His performance at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he scored 8 points in 7 games and assisted Sweden in winning the bronze, further cemented his reputation.
Östlund’s acquisition is viewed as a crucial step forward as the Sabres attempt to snap their protracted postseason skid. Spectators and experts will be closely observing the young Swede’s NHL debut as he lends his skill set to a squad hoping to make a run at the playoffs.
Later in the summer, the Sabres will begin training camp, giving Östlund a chance to contend for a spot on the opening night roster. The future is looking more and more promising for Buffalo hockey as the Sabres work to incorporate their best prospects into the lineup.