The Buffalo Sabres have taken care of one of their pending restricted free agents, announcing that they’ve re-signed defenseman Jacob Bryson to a two-year contract. The deal will carry a $1.85M AAV.
The 24-year-old was a fourth-round pick of Buffalo (99th overall) back in 2017 and a strong showing in the second half of the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign helped propel him into a regular role for this past season. Bryson suited up in 73 games, picking up a goal and nine assists along with 73 hits while averaging 18:20 per game, good for fourth among full-time Sabres blueliners.
This contract effectively works as a second bridge deal for Bryson. He had salary arbitration eligibility this summer, but the two-year term will still have him RFA-eligible with arbitration rights at its conclusion. Now that Bryson has established himself as an NHL regular, this pact will give him an opportunity to play his way into a bigger role. With Colin Miller expected to depart in free agency this summer, Bryson could be in line for a bit more playing time next season although 2021 top pick Owen Power will also be in the mix on the back end.
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