Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – The Buffalo Sabres are down to just two remaining restricted free agents to sign, as forward Brett Murray has signed a one-year contract worth $750,000.
Murray was the Sabres’ fourth-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, and was a bit of a late bloomer.
When he was called up to Buffalo last season, the winger played 19 games, scoring two goals and four assists for six points. Sabres head coach Don Granato mentioned more than once how he liked how Murray was playing, adding a touch of offense to his physical play.
It seemed like Murray would stick, but as players returned from injury, the 23-year-old was sent back to the Rochester Americans. His play slipped a little with the Amerks, going 22 games without a goal until he scored in Game 2 of the playoffs against the Bellevillle Senators.
Overall in Rochester, Murray had 15 goals and 17 assists for 32 points in 52 games. In 10 Calder Cup playoff games, Murray managed three goals and three assists for six points, including the overtime winner to complete a three-game series sweep of the Sens.
The Sabres elected not to re-sign John Hayden, so general manager Kevyn Adams may be thinking of Murray to take on that role. The soon-to-be 24-year-old is big, and has more of an offensive upside than Hayden.
The two remaining restricted free agents that the Sabres need to sign are goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and forward Arttu Ruotsalainen.
