Ryan O'Reilly, one of the newest Buffalo Sabres, has signed the richest contract in team history. The forward will make $52.5 million over the next 7 years. The previous high was a 7-year $50 million deal offered to Thomas Vanek.
The Sabres announced the signing on Friday, but the dollar figure came from a source familiar with the discussions, according to the Associated Press. That person spoke anonymously because the team did not disclose the contract value.
O'Reilly joined the Sabres as part of a trade from Colorado during the first round of the NHL Draft on June 26. The team also acquired forward Jamie McGinn, while giving up forward Mikhail Grigorenko, J.T. Compher, defenseman Nikita Zadorov, and the 31st pick of the draft.
On Saturday, the Sabres announced the signing of defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo to a one-year contract. The move brings the 6'1" Toronto native a bit closer to home, after spending last season with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Colaiacovo has played for Saint Louis, Detroit, and Toronto. He represented Canada in the World Championship (2011) and World Junior Championship (2002 & 2003), capturing silver at both World Junior Championships.
