Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson didn’t exactly go into celebration mode after signing his extension. In fact, one of the first things he bought may already be his biggest buyer’s remorse.
On the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast with Jonny Lazarus and Colby Cohen, Benson was asked if he splurged after landing his new deal. He didn’t talk about flashing supercars or anything close. Instead, he owned up to a purchase he already thinks was a mistake.
“No, no, no Lambos, no Ferraris. I actually, I bought a Porsche Cayenne, so I got a new whip.
Nice. I don't know.
It's a waste of money, I don't need that.”
That SUV starts at around $120,978, which makes it Benson’s priciest purchase since he signed his seven-year, $52.5 million extension with Buffalo on June 24. The contract carries a $7.5 million average annual value and runs through the 2032-33 season.
The Sabres’ decision to lock Benson in long term came on the heels of a breakout 2025-26 season. He put up 13 goals and 43 points in 65 games, then kept producing once Buffalo got into its playoff run.
His year didn’t start smoothly. Benson missed time early because of injuries and went 17 games without scoring, but everything flipped in December. Over his final 48 regular-season games, he piled up 32 points with 13 goals and 19 assists, and he finished at plus-27.
He kept that momentum going in the postseason, tying Tage Thompson for the team lead with five goals while adding four assists. Benson also drew 11 penalties, the third-most by any player in the playoffs.
“He didn't change his game,” teammate Jason Zucker said. “Nothing changed.
Just the difference is he scored goals in big moments, and I say that as a huge compliment to him. He plays that way every single game.
He's tough to play against. He works incredibly hard.
He makes great plays. He's around the net all the time.”
Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen also made it clear why Benson is part of the organization’s long-term plan.
“I see him as a true core piece that fills all the boxes,” Kekäläinen said. “… I can’t say enough good things about Zach Benson.
He’s got skill, he’s got hockey sense, he’s got instincts, he’s relentless, he’s a competitor. What a great playoff he had and, again, I’m so excited about the level that he can get to, still.”
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