Buffalo Gives Its 6-Foot-8 Summer Pickup Louis Crevier Four More Years

The Buffalo Sabres didn't wait to see how Louis Crevier fits. Hours before their opener in Columbus on Thursday, they signed the defenseman to a four-year, $16 million extension.

The deal starts next season and runs through 2030-31 at a $4 million cap hit. Without it, Crevier would have been a restricted free agent next summer.

He is not hard to spot. Crevier is 6-foot-8, shoots right, and came to Buffalo in June as part of the return when the Sabres traded Bowen Byram to Chicago. In 78 games with the Blackhawks last season he set career highs with seven goals, 18 assists and 25 points. He's 25.

A big right-shot defenseman with term at $4 million is the kind of contract that tends to age well, if the player keeps developing. Buffalo is betting that last year was a starting point.

Zellweger in protocol

The Sabres also moved Olen Zellweger to injured reserve before the game. He's in the concussion protocol, though the team hasn't ruled him out for Saturday's home opener against Chicago. Dennis Gilbert was recalled to fill the spot.

The opener didn't go Buffalo's way: Matthew Knies scored twice in his Columbus debut and the Blue Jackets won 6-3.