Sabres agree to terms with G Thibault, two others

Jul 6, 2007 - 1:27 AM BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- The Buffalo Sabres made their first addition of the offseason Thursday, agreeing to terms with goaltender Jocelyn Thibault on a one-year contract.

The Sabres also retained two of their own players, agreeing to a two-year contract with enforcer Andrew Peters and a one-year deal with left wing Michael Ryan.

Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Drafted 10th overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1993, Thibault posted a 7-8-2 record with one shutout and a 2.83 goals-against average in 22 games with Pittsburgh last season. The 32-year-old, who was an All-Star in 2003, owns a career mark of 235-234-73 with 37 shutouts and a 2.74 GAA in 574 career contests with the Quebec-Colorado franchise, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks and Penguins.

"Jocelyn will bring veteran experience to our team," Buffalo general manager Darcy Regier said. "He had a strong finish to the season last year in Pittsburgh and we think he will be a great fit for the organization."

The addition of Thibault is Buffalo's first since the free-agent signing period began Sunday, when the team lost co-captains Daniel Briere and Chris Drury.

Peters, 27, appeared in a career-high 58 games in 2006-07, registering one goal, one assist and 125 penalty minutes. The second-round pick in 1998 has three tallies, one assist and 376 penalty minutes in 128 NHL contests over three campaigns.

"Andrew has been the consummate team player over the past few seasons," Regier said. "He has committed himself to improving his conditioning and skills to further his development and add to his contributions to the team."

Ryan made his NHL debut last season after being selected in the second round of the 1999 draft. The 27-year-old, who also notched 28 goals and 23 assists in 50 games with Rochester of the American Hockey League, recorded three goals and two assists in 19 contests with the Sabres.

"Michael is a young player who is ready to play full-time at this level," Regier said. "He continues to develop and will be an important part of our club next season."