The Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday re-signed winger Lukas Rousek, who played his first two NHL games late last season, to a two-year, $1.55 million contract.
Rousek, 24, enjoyed a breakout season with the Rochester Americans in 2022-23, establishing himself as one of the Sabres’ top forward prospects. His 40 assists and 56 points both led the Amerks. His 16 goals tied for fifth on the team.
The Czech added five goals and 12 points in 14 games during the Calder Cup Playoffs.
The 5-foot-11, 171-pound Rousek also represented the Amerks in the AHL All-Star Classic.
He recorded a goal and an assist March 27 in his NHL debut. The Sabres also recalled him to play in the season finale.
The Sabres drafted Rousek in the sixth round in 2019, 160th overall. He played professionally in Czechia before joining the Amerks in 2021
After tearing his ACL, he made his AHL debut late in 2021-22.
Rousek could’ve become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.