Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have signed unrestricted free agent forward Ville Leino to a multi-year contract.
Leino (10/6/1983, 6’1”, 190 lbs.) played in 81 games for Philadelphia in 2010-11 and was fifth in team scoring with career highs in points (53), goals (19), assists (34), power play goals (5) and plus/minus (+14). Leino also chipped in five points (3+2) in 11 playoff games, including the overtime game winner against the Sabres in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
After multiple meetings between the Flyers and Ville Leino’s agent Bill Zito failed to result in a deal, the winger signed a six-year, $27 million deal with the Buffalo Sabres, according to TSN.ca.
The Flyers were unwilling to pay Leino more than about $3.5 million a year, but the 27-year-old and his agent long believed he was capable of bringing in more. Once the Florida Panthers signed Tomas Kopecky (a similar player, two years Leino's senior, who had poorer stats) to a four-year, $12-million deal and the Flyers agreed to a $3.3 million contract with Jaromir Jagr, Leino's chances of returning to Philadelphia had all but disappeared.
Zito and the Flyers had talked a number of times over the past few weeks, but those meetings were put on hold while the team considered whether to submit an offer sheet to Tampa Bay restricted free agent Steven Stamkos.
The Buffalo Sabres have added one of the top available wings on the market, signing former Flyer Ville Leino.
The contract calls for Leino to receive $27 million over six seasons, an average of $4.5 million per season.
The Flyers wanted to keep the 27-year-old Leino but couldn't reach a deal before Friday. He scored 19 goals last season with 34 assists in Philadelphia.
The Sabres are clearly showing they are going to be a team that spends under new owner Terry Pegula, a Sabres fan who also happens to be a billionaire. On Thursday they signed defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to a 10-year, $40 million contract. By adding Leino they get a versatile forward who can help them add some scoring on the outside.
RT @TSNBobMcKenzie: Ville Leino has agreed to terms with BUF, 6 years for $27M.
As for Gags, love him to death, but he needs to sign for cheap to be worth the risk given his health issues. And given the contracts being given out, I dunno...
lol buffalo handing out big contracts to average players like they're hotcakes
One player?? Ehrhoff is one of the best offensive defensemen in the game??? But hes average. and I know 4 million is such an overpayment.
Hopefully Ville does well here. Still a long way to go for both of our teams.
One player?? Ehrhoff is one of the best offensive defensemen in the game??? But hes average. and I know 4 million is such an overpayment.
Hopefully Ville does well here. Still a long way to go for both of our teams.
its not the cap hit, it's the length. the second half of the contract is going to be mighty ugly when the time comes.
