Sabres Re-Sign Afinogenov

[Thrillhouse]

Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have agreed to terms on a multi-year deal with restricted free agent forward Maxim Afinogenov. Afinogenov was scheduled for NHL arbitration Thursday, August 3, in Toronto.

Afinogenov, 26, led the Sabres in scoring last season with 73 points in 77 games, posting career highs in goals (22), assists (51) and points. Among Afinogenov's 22 goals were 11 power play markers and three game winners - including a team-high two in overtime. Afinogenov was also tops on the Sabres with 19 multi-point games. His 51 assists were the most in one season by a Sabres player since Pat LaFontaine had 51 in 1995-96.

"Max is one of the most exciting players in the NHL," said Regier. "We look forward to keeping him in Buffalo for years to come."

The 6 foot, 190 lb.-Afinogenov also picked up eight points (3+5) in 18 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Afinogenov was Buffalo's 3rd choice (69th overall) in the 1997 Entry Draft. He has scored 225 points (95+130) in 409 career games.

[bengino]

let's just hope he keeps up his consistency and doesn't just stop playing because he has a guaranteed contract in his pocket, i think the Sabres are glad to have him under a multi year deal though.

[Isles4life]

If only his hands, which are getting better, were anything like his crazy feet. Good move to get him for 3 years though.

[DigitalMP]

I hear the back of the net was a major part of these negotiations.