Sabres sign C Connolly to two-year deal

Mar 4, 2009 - 6:52 PM BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- Tim Connolly is staying in Buffalo.

The subject of trade rumors leading up to Wednesday's deadline, the oft-injured center has signed a two-year contract extension worth $9 million to remain with the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres elected to give Connolly a $1 million raise even though he has played in barely one-third of Buffalo's games under his current three-year, $8.7 million deal.

The 27-year-old Connolly, who will make $4.5 million in each of the next two seasons, has played in only 79 of Buffalo's last 227 games due to concussions. This season, he has been limited to 29 contests, registering 11 goals and 15 assists.

Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said his first choice was to re-sign Connolly, who was set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

"For us, it is better than a trade," Regier said. "In order to keep Tim here, not to give up any assets to acquire someone like Tim, I think it's a terrific day for the Sabres organization."

Connolly has missed 34 contests this season due to a fractured vertebrae and a broken rib.

"The team's always been there to support me," Connolly said. "We've put (the concussions) behind us now, and moving forward on the ice, I'm feeling as good as I ever have."