Jul 27, 2007, 17:15 GMT
Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Sabres center Derek Roy agreed to a new six-year contract Friday, just hours before he was scheduled for an arbitration hearing.
According to the Buffalo News, Roy inked a deal worth $24 million.
Roy scored 21 goals and added 42 assists for a career-high 63 points last season, his third with the Sabres. He has 48 goals and 80 assists for 128 points over 194 NHL games.
'Derek is a solid young player who will only continue to improve,' said Sabres general manager Darcy Regier in a statement. 'He will play an increased role for our club, and we look forward to having such a quality player in our organization for many years to come.'
The Sabres hope Roy, just 24 years old, can take the next step and become a top-line player following the free-agent losses of Daniel Briere and Chris Drury. Buffalo did manage to re-sign leading goal scorer Thomas Vanek earlier this summer.
Roy was Buffalo's second-round pick and the 32nd overall choice of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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