The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Louis Crevier to a four-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $4 million .
Crevier, 25, was scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the end of this season. The extension keeps him in Buffalo through 2030-31.
“Just really happy," Crevier said. "I think it’s something I’ve worked for for a while, now, and I’m just super glad that it’s behind me. And just having stability is just going to help me a ton to play hockey.”
The Sabres acquired Crevier in June as part of the deal that sent defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks. A seventh-round draft pick in 2020, Crevier worked his way into a full-time role for Chicago last season, scoring 25 points (7+18) in a career-high 78 games.
Being traded three months ago, the Quebec City native had time to learn his teammates' names and games before even arriving at training camp. And over the last few weeks, the 6-foot-8, right-shot defenseman has looked like a great, versatile fit on Buffalo's blue line. He earned high marks from coach Lindy Ruff for his performance in two preseason games and has spent time alongside both Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power.
“My first impression was his puck movement was good,” Ruff said. “He’s defended well. So, I think playing with either one of those guys is a good fit.”
Crevier has described his approach as defense-first – he recorded 124 hits and 95 blocked shots last season – but has flashed offensive potential in the Sabres’ up-tempo system. His eight shots in two preseason games tied Tage Thompson for the team lead. And, like Thompson, Crevier boasts one of the NHL’s hardest shots – his fastest last season clocked at 102.83 mph, the fourth-hardest in the league according to NHL EDGE.
“I don’t feel like I’ve reached my top level in hockey,” Crevier said at the start of camp. “Last year was my first full year in the NHL, so I’m still getting better and better.”
The rising salary cap has led to more and more players signing extensions at a young age, and as Crevier begins his fourth NHL season, this move was a "no-brainer" for him.
“At the end of the day, we’re hockey players, and I just want to play hockey," he said. "And if a team wants me for four – five more years with this year – I couldn’t really refuse it."
