It’s obviously a huge deal for the Sabres to commit $52 million to him, and according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman the deal is structured in a way that is made up nearly entirely by signing bonuses, which means it’s pretty much buyout proof.
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On Thursday, the Sabres announced they signed defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti to a one-year, two-way contract.
O’Reilly has skated in 416 regular-season games in the AHL with Utica, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Portland and Milwaukee, registering 74 goals and 297 assists for 371 points. He was scheduled to make $6.2 million next season. In return, the Sabres sent Mikhail Grigorenko, Nikita Zadorov, J.T. Compher and the 31st overall pick in the 2015 draft to Colorado.
O’Reilly will get a chance to play alongside rookie center Jack Eichel, who was selected with the second pick in the draft.
Prior to joining the Sabres, O’Reilly played in Colorado for six seasons, recording at least 50 points in each of the last three full National Hockey League seasons.
O’Reilly is also a Lady Byng Memorial Trophy victor, presented following the 2013-2014 season.
The 32-year-old Colaiacovo, who has a history of injuries throughout his career, now joins his fourth team in the last four seasons. Columbus acquired Saad, 22, from Chicago earlier this week.
Blackhawks: Forward Andrew Desjardins has agreed to a two-year contract with Stanley Cup-winning Chicago.
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On Friday, the 18-year-old phenom agreed to terms on his three-year, entry-level contract with the Oilers.
