Roy Signs With Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres announced on Thursday that they have signed Kitchener Rangers captain Derek Roy to an NHL entry-level contract. As is club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Derek is an offensive threat every time he is on the ice,” said Sabres general manager Darcy Regier. “We welcome him to our organization and we look forward to watching him continue his development at the NHL-level. He was outstanding during the Memorial Cup playoffs and when he played for Team Canada at last years’ World Junior Tournament.”

Roy was Buffalo’s second-round selection (32nd overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2003 OHL playoffs, Roy scored nine goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 21 games and won the Wayne Gretzky “99” Award as the MVP. He added three goals and one assist in four games and won the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as the MVP of the Memorial Cup.

After four seasons with Kitchener, Roy established himself as one of the leagues top offensive weapons. In 2002-03, he scored 28 goals, 50 assists for 78 points in just 49 games. He also won the silver medal with Team Canada at the 2003 World Junior Tournament and a gold medal at the Under-18 tournament in 2000.

“Playing in Kitchener the last four years has been a great experience,” added Roy. “The support I have received from the fans is something I will never forget.”

The Rockland native attended Buffalo’s training camp last season and appeared in four games. Roy served as team captain this past season and has lead Kitchener in scoring in three of the past four seasons. In his first season, he led Kitchener in scoring and was named 1999-00 OHL Rookie of the Year after totaling 87 points (34+53) in 66 games.