Cody Hodgson had 34 points last season. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres re-sign Cody Hodgson to 6-year deal

BUFFALO – This morning, an optimistic-sounding Darcy Regier said the Sabres would “make every attempt” to have unsigned restricted free agent Cody Hodgson on the ice Thursday for the first session of training camp.

“The efforts that are being made by both sides would indicate that we want to get something done as quickly as possible,” the general manager said inside the First Niagara Center as the Sabres reported for camp and took their physicals.

Hours later, the Sabres announced Hodgson had signed a six-year deal worth a whopping $25.5 million, according to Sportsnet. That’s an annual $4.25 million cap hit.

Both long- and short-term deals had been discussed, Regier said.

The 23-year-old Hodgson, the Sabres’ No. 1 center on paper, had 15 goals and 34 points in 48 games last season.

“We certainly believe that Cody is a player that will continue to get better and improve,” Regier said prior to the deal. “He has fit in very well organizationally. He is a very mature young man. He’s a very hard-working, committed individual and athlete, and that’s someone we’d like to have around for a long time.”

Now they do.

Regier said negotiations didn’t become contentious.

3 thoughts on “Sabres re-sign Cody Hodgson to 6-year deal”

  1. long time sabre fan here in wasaga beach ont. great move I hope it won’t take to long to get back in the playoff picture. I live in maple sap country and they think they are the only hockey fans in the world. I only hope that they can at least finish ahead of the maple saps.all you hear is where they are going to plan a stanely cup parade.sick sick sick.. go sabres go. last or first still my favorite team and ever since buffalo picked up gilbert peaurault. best player at the time.

  2. I’m not in favor of this deal. The Sabres have a penchant for overpaying unproven players (take Myers as a prime example).

    Hodgson appears to be a 2nd line center at best and that’s a lot of money and time to devote to someone who probably won’t become a 1st line center.

    Of course he may be a 1st line center on THIS team, but on a Stanley Cup contender, his apparent talent will earn him a 2nd or 3rd line spot.

    The onus is now on him to earn his salary.

  3. Bigger Sabres fan here, I completely and utterly disagree with you bullwinkle88. My friend,Hodgson has crazy good offensive skills, yes his defense is terrible- horrific, but do you remember how terrible Vanek was when he first game into the league? Just as bad, maybe worse. I bet he goes no lower than second line center, and that’s if Grigorenko pans out. If not he’s a first all day. He will grow into his own. Also, 4.25M isn’t too bad for him.

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