What happened: Buffalo announced the deal Monday and pegged the average annual value at $6.6 million. The agreement arrives two days before the Sabres open training camp on Sept. 16.

Why it matters: The contract gives Buffalo cost certainty on a long-term piece before the 2026-27 campaign moves into camp. It also clears one offseason item off the Sabres' board as roster decisions sharpen this week.

What to watch: Camp opens Sept. 16, when Buffalo will start sorting out how Ostlund fits into its 2026-27 lineup. The club's next roster decisions should come into clearer focus once the full group is on the ice.