Drew Stafford signed

[Philagape]

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- University of North Dakota forward Drew Stafford has signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres, foregoing his final year of eligibility with the Fighting Sioux.

Stafford, who is currently in Riga, Latvia, playing at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship, said he got "the best deal possible" with the Sabres.

A 2004 draft pick such as Stafford can sign for $984,200 with a signing bonus of 30 percent of the maximum annual compensation, according to the NHL's collective bargaining agreement. Performance bonuses may also be negotiated.

Stafford was a first-round pick of the Sabres, chosen 13th overall in 2004.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=2432195

[Crisis]

Can't wait to see how he does in Rochester next year.

[qcsabresfan84]

I really like this guy. I think that when he eventually makes this team, probably not next year, but the year after he is going to have a Vanek like rookie year. Hopefully by then Vanek will be netting 40 a season.

[pyrrhonist]

This is one of the first times in years that a guy coming into his rookie year won't have a close-to-guaranteed chance of making the NHL roster, instead of going straight to Rochester.