After re-signing forward Tyson Jost, the Buffalo Sabres signed a pair of defensemen to strengthen the blue line.
Buffalo signed Erik Johnson to a one-year contract worth $3.25 million and brought in Connor Clifton to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3.33 million, the team announced Saturday.
Johnson, 35, has recorded 88 goals and 249 assists over 15 seasons with the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche. He is tied for 20th among active NHL defensemen with 920 career games played.
Johnson, a first-overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Avalanche in 2022.
Clifton, 28, set career highs in games played (78), goals (5), assists (18), points (23), and plus/minus (plus-20) last season with the Boston Bruins.
Clifton played for Sabres coach Don Granato for two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program and won a silver medal with the United States at the 2018 IIHF U-18 World Championship.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].