Paille reaches multi-year deal

Daniel Paille signed a multi-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres today and this is truly good news for Sabres fans because we will have an opportunity to see Daniel Paille play for the Buffalo Sabres for at least a few more years.  The terms of the deal have not been disclosed yet but it is on the Sabres official website so it is a done deal. 

As I've mentioned before, Paille had a breakout season in 2007-2008 and I expect even better things out of him in 2009.  His career high 19 goals last season were sixth on the team and his three shorties were tied with Derek Roy for the team lead.  Paille has offensive capabilities and yet he is responsible in his own zone, he was a plus nine in 77 games (the fourth best plus/minus on the team).  Paille can also throw his body around if he wants to, the Sabres would like to see that on a more consistent basis however.

The Sabres also announced that both Clarke MacArthur and Mark Mancari have accepted their qualifying offers and will remain with the team for at least one more season.  MacArthur should have a good chance of making the Sabres opening day roster but Mancari is likely to start the season in Portland because of the Sabres forward depth at the NHL level.