Zach Metsa

Zach Metsa (born October 19, 1998) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Before playing professionally, Metsa played five seasons of NCAA Division I hockey with the Quinnipiac Bobcats. In his final collegiate season, he was captain of the 2022-23 Bobcats team which won the university its first-ever men's ice hockey national championship title.

Playing career

Junior Metsa began the 2017–18 season with the Youngstown Phantoms, where he recorded one goal and 12 assists in 37 games. On February 7, 2018, he was traded to the Central Illinois Flying Aces. He finished the season with three goals and eight assists in 23 games for the Flying Aces.

Collegiate Metsa began his collegiate career for Quinnipiac during the 2018–19 season. During his freshman year he recorded two goals and two assists in 32 games. During the 2019–20 season in his sophomore year he recorded five goals and 12 assists in 34 games.

During the 2020–21 season in his junior year he recorded five goals and 21 assists in 29 games. He was tied for the national lead among defensemen in points and led all defensemen in assists (21), power-play assists (11) and power-play points (14). Following an outstanding season he was named to the All-ECAC First Team. He was also named co-winner of the Coaches' Award, as selected by the men's ice hockey coaching staff.

On May 21, 2021, he was named an assistant captain for the 2021–22 season. During his senior year he recorded 10 goals and 27 assists in 42 games. Metsa and the Bobcats led both the league and the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 0.93 goals per-game. He blocked 24 shots, and led the team during the regular season with 34 points. He ranked in the top three in the nation all season amongst defenseman in points, assists, and plus/minus. Following an outstanding season he was named the ECAC Hockey Best Defensive Defenseman and named to the All-ECAC First Team. He was also named an AHCA East First Team All-American.

Professional After guiding the Bobcats to a National Championship victory as team captain in the 2022–23 season, Metsa embarked on his professional career in signing a two-year contract with the Rochester Americans of the AHL on April 13, 2023. He immediately joined the Americans for the remainder of their playoff run.

On July 1, 2025, Metsa secured an NHL contract, signing a one-year, two-way deal with the Americans affiliate, the Buffalo Sabres. Metsa scored his first NHL goal on January 6, 2026 versus Vancouver.

Personal life Metsa was born to Tom Metsa and Lisa Driscoll. His father, Tom, played hockey at Hamline University.

Career statistics

Awards and honors Award YearCollege All-ECAC First Team 2021 All-ECAC First Team 2022 ECAC Hockey Best Defensive Defenseman 2022 AHCA East First Team All-American 2022 All-ECAC Second Team 2023 AHCA East Second Team All-American 2023 NCAA All-Tournament Team 2023