Sabres Re-Sign Brian Holzinger

Former Hobey Baker Award winner Brian Holzinger re-signed a multi-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres Friday, avoiding arbitration.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 25-year-old Holzinger has quickly developed into a solid two-way center for the Sabres, helping the team to the 1998 Eastern Conference finals and the 1997 Northeast Division regular season title.

Though he has not brought with him the scoring prowess that helped him win the Hobey Baker Award in 1995 as the top player in United States collegiate hockey, Holzinger is an important performer for the Sabres. The Bowling Green product played in 69 games last season and tallied 14 goals and 21 assists, adding four goals and seven assists in 15 playoff games.

"We view Brian as one of our core players, and it's good to know that he will remain a part of this franchise as we strive to move forward," said Sabres general manager Darcy Regier.

In 212 career games, all with Buffalo, the 5-11, 190-pounder has 46 goals and 63 assists for 109 points.

The Sabres open the season October 26th -- Holzinger's 26th birthday -- at Dallas.

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