Patrick has agreed to terms

[Jim Bob]

On WNSA, Regier just said that they agreed to terms with Patrick.

Jeeps apparently got a better offer from another team, but he wanted to stay in Buffalo.

I think it is a good move.

[Player6600]

Great move and it's good to see Patrick's committment to the team.

[bduff54]

how old is this guy?

[Jim Bob]

Originally posted by bduff54
how old is this guy?

He just turned 39.

He is a solid veteran that accepts a 6th/7th defenseman role, is OK not playing every night, and is a leader and great example for the young defenseman on the team.

Add in that his deal will likely be for less than $700,000, and is a win-win situation.

And I've heard that he wants to play in 2003-04 and then hang em up. Personally, I hope he ends his career as a Sabre.

[Jim Bob]

http://www.sabres.com/news/index.html

Sabres Agree to Terms with James Patrick
Buffalo, NY (July 25, 2002)--Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier announced today that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman James Patrick on a two-year contract, as is club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Despite having opportunities elesewhere, we are proud that James has choosen to remain with the Buffalo Sabres and stay in our community. James has proven to be an important contributor to our hockey team over the past four seasons," said Regier. "He has provided us with depth and veteran leadership and will be a valuable presence to our younger players."

Patrick originally came to Buffalo as a free agent on October 7, 1998, James has appeared in 221 games as a Sabre recording 15 goals and 32 assists for 47 points. Over his celebrated career he has appeared in 1,156 games and recorded 612 points by scoring 141 goals and assisting on 471 others.

Early this past season, James became only the 14th defenseman in NHL history to record 600 career points and appear in 1,100 games by scoring a goal vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins October 14th. On December 4, 1999, he became only the 144th player in league history to play in 1,000 career games, ironically reaching the milestone against the team that chose him ninth overall in the 1981 Entry Draft, the New York Rangers.

The 2002-03 season will be Patrick's 20th in the NHL ranking him 20th among active players in games played. He remains a steady contributor and veteran leader both on and off the ice. Known as an offensive defenseman earlier in his career, James has quietly battled through numerous back and knee injuries to continue his strong play, leadership and dedication to his team and community. He has become a consistently steady and reliable stay at home defenseman who still possesses the ability to jump into plays and contribute offensively when the opportunity presents itself.

Patrick has twice been nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Buffalo chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, first in 1999-2000 and again this past season

In addition to his time with the Sabres and Rangers he has also played for Hartford and Calgary during his career.

[bduff54]

sounds like coaching material

[Papaduke]

Patrick back with the Sabres is a good thing and yeah i think he will be coaching in the organization at the end of this contract. He is a veteran leader that will be sorely needed in a relatively young defensive corps.
Dave

[sabres081]

Originally posted by bduff54
how old is this guy? i say out with the old in with the new bad move lets someone in rochester take his spot