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Sabres sign Nathan Beaulieu to two-year deal

Sabres sign Nathan Beaulieu to two-year deal
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Add Nathan Beaulieu to the list of Buffalo Sabres skaters who filed for arbitration, only to sign a new deal before their respective hearing. On Monday, the Sabres signed the newly acquired defenseman to a two-year deal worth an average of $2.4 million per season.

Beaulieu, 24, was dealt to the Sabres from the Montreal Canadiens earlier this summer in exchange for a third-round draft pick. A former first round pick in 2011, Beaulieu is coming off a 28 point season [4G, 24A, 74 games played] with the Canadiens last season.

Beaulieu was set to have his salary arbitration hearing on Saturday.

Bove's take:

$2.4 million seems like a reasonable amount to pay a defenseman that will likely open the season in the starting lineup. If Beaulieu struggles or doesn't live up to expectations, his contract won't handcuff the Sabres past the 2018-2019 season.

Beaulieu is a bit of a wild card heading into next year. There's no denying that Beaulieu has talent and learning under Phil Housley could do the young blue liner wonders. However, over his relatively short NHL career, Beaulieu has been inconsistent.

At the end of the day, this signing shouldn't come as much of a surprise. It's a smart move for both sides.