BUFFALO – The Sabres have signed forward prospect Phil Varone to a three-year, entry-level contract, the club announced Monday.
The 21-year-old rookie has turned heads in Rochester this season, compiling a team-best 43 points and 35 assists. His assist total ranks fourth among AHL rookies and 15th overall. He ranks 12th in freshman scoring.
Varone attended Sabres training camp on a tryout before earning a one-year AHL contract.
Varone, 5-foot-10 and 186 pounds, enjoyed a huge Ontario Hockey League season in 2010-11, scoring a career-high 34 goals and 82 points in 59 games with London and Erie. Varone had 78 goals and 230 points in 228 contests during his junior career.
