SabresDotCom, the official Twitter account of the Buffalo Sabres, has just tweeted Sabres forward Drew Stafford has agreed to terms on a multi-year contract.  Stafford played exceptionally this season, scoring a career high 31 goals and 52 points and a +13 +/- rating.  He appeared in 62 games after suffering several minor injuries through out the season.  Stafford also tied for the NHL lead in hat tricks with 4 (12/15, 1/1, 2/8, 2/13).

The Sabres drafted Stafford in 2004 with the 13th overall pick.  He played 3 season at the University of North Dakota, from 2003-2006, with current NHL players Taylor Chorney (Edmonton), Matt Greene (Los Angeles), Brian Lee (Ottawa), TJ Oshie (St. Louis), Zach Parise (New Jersey), Jonathan Toews (Chicago), and Travis Zajac (New Jersey).

Photo By Melissa Kania

UPDATE

sabres.nhl.com finally posted an update, that had absolutely no information on the actual contract, which isn’t really all that shocking.  The figure being thrown around right now is $16 million over 4 years, which sounds about right as far as the range many were thinking.

Sabres GM Darcy Regier had this to say after he announced the signing: “It was important for us to get Drew locked up,” said Regier. “What we saw from Drew this season is exactly what we envisioned when we drafted him. Drew will continue to be an important part of our team in the coming years.” – www.sabres.nhl.com

Again, stay tuned for another update when real figures can be verified!