Buffalo Sabres give defenceman Alexander Sulzer a one-year deal to dodge free agency

BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Sabres on Monday signed Alexander Sulzer to a one-year contract, allowing the defenceman to avoid free agency this summer.

Sulzer played in 15 games with Buffalo last season after being acquired from the Vancouver Canucks, along with forward Cody Hodgson on Feb. 27. Sulzer, who had three goals and eight points with the Sabres, also appeared in 12 games with the Canucks last season, collecting one assist.

In 89 career NHL games, Sulzer has four goals and 16 points. He would have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.