COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres signed defenseman Louis Crevier to a four-year contract extension worth $16 million, the team announced Thursday.

Crevier will count $4 million against the salary cap annually from the time his deal kicks in next NHL season through 2030-31. He would have been a restricted free agent next summer.

The 25-year-old was part of Buffalo’s return for trading Bowen Byram to Chicago in June. The 6-foot-8 right-handed shooter set career highs last season with seven goals, 18 assists and 25 points in 78 games with the Blackhawks.

Ahead of their season opener at Columbus on Thursday night, the Sabres also recalled Dennis Gilbert and put Olen Zellweger, who is in concussion protocol, on injured reserve. Zellweger has not been ruled out of playing in the home opener Saturday.

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