The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed forward to a three-year contract with an average annual value of \$775,000, the team announced Tuesday. The deal includes a two-way structure for the first year and transitions to a one-way contract for the final two years.
22, was set to become a restricted free agent on Tuesday. He debuted in the NHL on December 5 and appeared in 21 games for the Sabres during his rookie season, posting five points (3 goals, 2 assists) while averaging 10:29 of ice time. The 5-foot-11 center, who was called up for five different stints throughout the season, earned praise from head coach Lindy Ruff for his dependable two-way play on the fourth line.
In addition to his NHL experience, Kozak registered 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists) in 31 regular season games with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, along with four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in eight Calder Cup Playoff appearances. Over three seasons in the AHL, including playoffs, he has played 153 games.
A native of Souris, Manitoba, Kozak was selected by Buffalo in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Draft. He captained the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL during the 2021–22 season—his final year with the team—before turning pro with Rochester in 2022–23.
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