Buffalo Sabres Extend Jack Quinn
The Buffalo Sabres have officially extended Jack Quinn, a 23-year-old forward and their first-round pick from 2020, to a two-year contract valued at an average of $3.375 million per year. This announcement came just hours prior to the NHL Draft, as Quinn was on the verge of becoming a restricted free agent on July 1.
Quinn’s Performance and Challenges
Last season, Quinn produced 15 goals and 24 assists, totaling 39 points—notably, he did not score a goal against a goaltender until mid-December, having previously recorded just one empty-net goal. Injuries plagued him early in his professional career; during summer training in 2023, he tore his Achilles, limiting him to just 17 games upon his return late that year before suffering a leg fracture that kept him out for another two months.
Looking ahead, Quinn was anticipated to make significant contributions for the Sabres, beginning the season on the second line and regularly participating in the second power-play unit. However, he struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm, gathering 15 points in the last 16 games—a time when the Sabres were already out of playoff contention. Notably, 13 of his total points came from power-play opportunities.
Defensive Struggles and Future Outlook
Defensively, he encountered difficulties, at times being scratched during Lindy Ruff’s inaugural season as head coach. He recorded a concerning statistic as the Sabres registered just 45 percent of the expected goals during his five-on-five ice time, ranking as the third lowest among Sabres forwards. The new contract is seen as a gamble on his ability to return to the form he showcased as a rookie, when he notched 14 goals and 23 assists.
With an average cap hit above $3 million, Quinn’s position in Buffalo’s forward lineup appears secure, yet there is uncertainty regarding the optimal line placement given the current roster. After recent trades involving players like JJ Peterka and the addition of Josh Doan, the Sabres’ forward lines might look something like this:
- Zach Benson – Josh Norris – Tage Thompson
- Jason Zucker – Jiri Kulich – Alex Tuch
- Jack Quinn – Ryan McLeod (restricted free agent) – Josh Doan
- Beck Malenstyn – Peyton Krebs – Jordan Greenway
If Quinn is able to elevate his performance, he might compete for a top-six role, potentially replacing either Benson or Zucker. However, such a move would carry considerable risk given his previous season’s struggles. He also doesn’t align well with a potential fourth-line role, based on his playing style. Despite this, the financial commitment suggests the Sabres plan to utilize him within the top nine forwards of their lineup.
Contract Analysis and Future Considerations
Analysts have expressed that the contract may be somewhat high given his last season, with projections estimating a one-year deal closer to $1.5 million, allowing him the opportunity to prove himself in a comeback season. This new deal poses a greater risk than that, particularly when considering the salary cap space situation.
Looking to the future, the Sabres still retain around $17.5 million in salary cap space with 19 players under contract, but they need to negotiate contracts for restricted free agents such as Bowen Byram, Ryan McLeod, Jacob Bernard-Docker, Devon Levi, and Tyson Kozak. The extension for Quinn doesn’t hinder the Sabres’ plans to acquire another winger who can contribute in a top-six role. Despite Quinn’s flashes of potential over his three years, a greater emphasis on proven scoring capability remains essential for the team’s success.
