The Buffalo Sabres have signed recently bought-out Benoit Pouliot to a one-year, $1.15MM deal according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.
Pouliot was the fourth-overall selection in the 2005 draft, behind Sidney Crosby, Bobby Ryan and Jack Johnson (and ahead of Carey Price at #5) and has never quite found the success that preceded him. In 551 games, he’s registered 244 points and hit a low point last season with just 14 in 67 games for the Edmonton Oilers.
Buffalo will bring him in on an extremely cheap deal however, and considering the extremely low risk he could be one of the better signings of the offseason. Even if the 30-year old reverts to his 30-point self, he’ll be a steal for just over $1MM. A strong possession player, it was clearly time for him to move on in Edmonton and he’ll try to rebuild his value in the Eastern Conference.
Good move