Josh Doan signed a seven-year, $48.65 million contract with the Buffalo Sabers on Wednesday. The average annual value is $6.95 million, starting next season.

The 23-year-old forward played in his first 49 games with the Sabers this season, setting career highs in goals (15), assists (20) and points (35). There was also the possibility that he would become a restricted free agent after the season.

Doan was acquired by Buffalo on June 26 in a trade with the Utah Mammoths along with defenseman Michael Kesselring in exchange for forward JJ Peterka.

Doan, who was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the second round (37th pick) of the 2021 NHL Draft, played in 111 games with the Coyotes, Mammoths and Sabres, scoring 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists).

“Josh is a player who impacts our team both on and off the ice,” Sabers general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “He is hard-working, competitive and skilled, and his game will continue to develop. We believe he will be a core part of this team going forward and are excited to have him as a Buffalo Saber long-term.”

Buffalo (27-17-5) is fourth in the Atlantic Division and has earned the first wild card from the Eastern Conference to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Sabers have not qualified for the playoffs since 2011.