The Buffalo Sabres didn't want to risk arbitration with 25-year-old defenseman Andrej Sekera, so they've signed him to a four-year, $11 million contract, the Associated Press reports:
Andrej Sekera Re-Signed By Sabres To Four-Year Deal
The contract is front-loaded, with Sekera set to make $4.25 million this season, $3.25 million in 2012-13 and $1.75 million in each of the final two years, according to one (source).
...“The thing that really prompted us to go longer term with `Rej,‘ was the recognition that we were going to be in arbitration if we didn’t, number one, and the belief in him and his ability to grow,” (GM Darcy) Regier said. “I think we’re just starting to see what `Rej’ can become.”
Sekera tallied 29 points in 76 games, both career highs, last season, and figures to be a factor in western New York for years to come on the back line along with recent signees Robyn Regehr and Christian Ehrhoff. The Sabres are looking to improve on their first-round exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, and just shored up a big part of those efforts.
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