The Sabres made their first notable move of free agency today, signing center Cody Eakin to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.25 million, according to Sportsnet and TSN.
Eakin, 29, scored five goals and 10 points in 49 total games last season with the Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets. He played eight games with the Jets after joining them in a trade Feb. 21.
Update: The Sabres officially announced the deal Sunday morning.
The 6-foot, 190-pound Eakin gives the Sabres depth down the middle. He could pivot the third or fourth line as a replacement for Johan Larsson, who is close to signing a two-year contract with the Arizona Coyotes, according to Sportsnet.
Eakin has compiled 103 goals, 237 points and 242 penalty minutes in 586 career NHL games over nine seasons.
The Washington Capitals drafted Eakin in the third round in 2009, 85th overall. He began his career with the Capitals before being traded to the Dallas Stars. Vegas selected him in the expansion draft.