Buffalo Sabres sign top defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to 10-year, $40 million deal –NHL Update
Buffalo Sabres struck gold on Thursday as it reached an agreement with top-of-the-line defenseman, Christian Ehrhoff, whose negotiating rights Sabres had acquired a few days before the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) free agency kicked off.
The negotiation process only came two days after Buffalo had acquired the rights from New York Islanders, who had acquired the rights from Vancouver Canucks, Ehrhoff’s original team that was unable to retain him.
Buffalo, in its quest to strength the team with a cash-load owner, was given the green signal to acquire the best of the best, and still have its eyes set on the free agency when it would begin on Friday, July 1.
Sabres, especially its general manager, Darcy Regier, does not usually give up future draft picks in order to scrimmage for new talent, but in Ehrhoff’s case, it was a win-win situation for both.
"As you know, it's uncharacteristic for us to give up a fourth-round pick", Regier said. "We just felt very strongly that if we could get to the player early that we would have the opportunity to sign him".
The team management made a very reasonable offer which the 28-year-old German player could not refuse. A 10-year, $40 million contract, which is one of the highest this offseason has seen.
"I was very impressed", Ehrhoff said, in a statement released by the team. "My goal is to win the Stanley Cup. And after the offer I received from Buffalo, I believe this is the best place to make it happen".
Earlier this week, Buffalo acquired veteran defenseman, Robyn Regehr, from Calgary Flames and after Ehrhoff’s addition, Sabres has become truly fit in regards of its defensive players.
In an unprecedented move, the new owner, Terry Pegula, a billionaire businessman from Pennsylvania, has visited a number of players in order to bring them to Buffalo, and in a majority of his negotiations, he has remained very successful.
"We heard on the phone how committed Terry, Darcy and Lindy (Ruff) are to the Sabres", Regehr said. "And I think this just goes to show you that they're willing to back it up with actions as well".
Pegula has his eyes set on star centre player, Brad Richards, and is sure to make him an offer when he becomes officially available on Friday.
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