2:47 p.m.: Buffalo confirmed the deal as reported.
1:29 p.m.: The Sabres are closing in on a one-year, one-way extension worth $900K for defenseman Jacob Bryson, PuckPedia reports. He was slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July.
Bryson’s new deal mirrors what he signed to return to Buffalo last summer after they opted to non-tender him on the conclusion of his two-year, $3.7MM deal that carried a $1.9MM qualifying offer. That’s fair value for the limited role he continues to play as the No. 7 on the Sabres’ depth chart. He’s made 42 appearances this season, up from last year’s 36, although his average ice time has dropped slightly from 14:41 to 14:22.
The 27-year-old was a fourth-round pick by the Sabres back in 2017, so he’s now been affiliated with the organization for eight years and will extend his stay through a ninth. As far as replacement-level players go on the back end, he fits the bill. While not an overly physical rearguard (he has just nine hits this year), he blocks shots well and plays an overall sound defensive game. His 46.8 CF% and -5.7 expected rating at even strength this year are par for the course, considering he starts over 60% of his shifts in the defensive zone. Offensively, he’s posted 4-39–43 in 248 career games as a Sabre, including seven assists in 2024-25.
After making his NHL debut during the COVID-shortened 2021 campaign, he’ll return to Buffalo for his sixth big-league campaign. With the six defenders ahead of him on the depth chart either signed through next season or destined for restricted free agency this summer, he’ll likely start next year in a press-box role again, barring injuries or an unforeseen trade that doesn’t bring an in-kind replacement back to the Sabres. The 5’9″ lefty will now surpass $8MM in estimated career earnings with this deal, per PuckPedia.
If the Sabres ever make the Playoffs again, Bryson will be injured/useless after one period of being pasted to the boards by every opposing Forward. Thanks for continuing to make the team harder to play against, GM Charlie Brown.
That sweet stretch pass to McLeod against Vegas two games ago must’ve rocked Charlie’s world and sealed the extension.
Golf teams gonna Golf team.
Is 5 ft 9 his current height or was when he was drafted ? I didn’t think defensemen that size could survive in the NHL
Current!
That’s 5’9” with skates on
Not many guys drafted in the 4th round ever get into an NHL game at all, let alone play 9 years in the league. Bryson is a smart player who skates well and makes good breakout passes. He’s more valuable to the team than Samuelsson (who is 6″ taller) in my view.
Adams has to go immediately, i can’t believe this guy still has the power to do anything. Bryson has only 9 hits ALL year, too weak to defend in front of the net. This is a travesty for Saberette fans.