Before he ever steps on the ice here, center Ryan O’Reilly has earned a unique distinction in Buffalo hockey history.
The 24-year-old is now the owner of the largest contract ever awarded by the Sabres, a seven-year, $52.5 million extension finalized Friday that will put him in Blue and Gold through the 2022-23 season. The previous high was the seven-year, $50-million deal Thomas Vanek earned in 2007, but that was formalized as a match to an offer sheet by the Edmonton Oilers.
“We’re happy to have Ryan locked up to a long-term deal,” General Manager Tim Murray said in a statement issued by the team.