When the Buffalo Sabres made the move to acquire Josh Doan during the 2025 offseason, it wasn’t just a roster shuffle - it was a calculated bet on untapped potential. Doan came over as part of the deal that sent JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth, with defenseman Michael Kesselring also heading to Buffalo. At the time, the move raised eyebrows, but the Sabres clearly saw something in Doan that suggested more was waiting to be unlocked.
Fast forward to midseason, and it’s safe to say that bet is starting to pay off. Doan isn’t just fitting in - he’s thriving.
Through 47 games in a Sabres sweater, the 23-year-old forward has already set new career highs across the board: 15 goals, 19 assists, and 34 points. For context, that’s nearly double the production he posted last season in Utah, where he tallied just seven goals and 19 points in 51 games.
That kind of leap doesn’t happen by accident.
What’s even more encouraging is the trajectory he’s on. Doan isn’t just padding his stats - he’s heating up.
Over his last nine games, he’s racked up five goals and 10 points, including back-to-back two-point performances against the Flyers on January 14 and the Canadiens on January 15. That kind of consistency, especially in the grind of the regular season, is exactly what the Sabres were hoping for when they brought him in.
And it’s not just about the numbers. Doan’s game has matured.
He’s playing with more confidence, showing stronger puck control, and finding chemistry with his linemates. He’s not trying to do too much - he’s letting the game come to him, and in turn, making the kind of impact that changes the complexion of a forward group.
For a Buffalo team that’s been looking to turn the corner and build a sustainable core, Doan’s emergence is a big development. He’s not just filling a role - he’s carving out a place as a key contributor. And if this stretch is any indication, we’re only scratching the surface of what he can become.
The Sabres took a swing on a young player with upside, and right now, it looks like they might’ve hit on something special. How far Doan can take this breakout campaign remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear - Buffalo’s gamble is starting to look more like a win.