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The Buffalo Sabres have signed former Montreal Canadiens captain Brian Gionta, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that the contract is for three-years and John Vogl of the Buffalo News is reporting that the deal will pay him $12.75 million over the life of the deal.
In 81 games last season, Gionta managed 18 goals and 40 points. He'll bring some veteran experience and hopefully a little bit of scoring punch to an inept offensive team in Buffalo.
Gionta will be able to control his destiny for much of the next three years, per Friedman:
As per @SCGscott, Gionta gets NMC in first two years and limited NTC in Year 3.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2014
Update: The team has confirmed the deal.
OFFICIAL: The #Sabres have signed Brian Gionta to a three-year contract. Welcome home to Western New York, @Giostyle21!
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) July 1, 2014
