SPORTS

Friday's roundup: O'Reilly becomes Sabres' highest-paid player

Associated Press

The Buffalo Sabres have made newly acquired forward Ryan O'Reilly their highest-paid player by signing him to a $52.5 million, seven-year contract extension on Friday.

The Sabres announced the signing, while two people familiar with discussions revealed the value of the contract to The Associated Press. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Sabres did not disclose the monetary terms.

Ryan O'Reilly's extension kicks in after he completes the final year of his existing contract, which will pay him $6.2 million next season. He will make $11 million in 2016-17 of an extension that runs through the 2022-23 season.

The 24-year-old O'Reilly is regarded a top-line talent and was acquired from Colorado in a trade that involved five players during the first round of the NHL draft on June 26.

The Sabres also acquired forward Jamie McGinn, while giving up forward Mikhail Grigorenko, JT Compher, defenseman Nikita Zadorov and the 31st pick of the draft.

"It's not easy to find a player who, at his age, is already established in the league as someone who plays a complete game and makes his teammates better," said general manager Tim Murray said in a team statement about O'Reilly. "When we acquired him, we viewed him as someone who could immediately improve our roster, but was still young enough to make an impact for several years to come. And this contract reflects that belief."

O'Reilly will get a chance to play alongside rookie center Jack Eichel, who was selected with the second pick in the draft. O'Reilly had 17 goals and 55 points in 80 games last season. He also led Avalanche forwards in averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time.

Buffalo made two other moves Friday, including signing O'Reilly's older brother Cal to a two-year contract. The Sabres also signed free-agent defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo, a former Red Wing, to a one-year contract.

Oilers reach deal with McDavid

The Edmonton Oilers have agreed to terms with center Connor McDavid on a three-year, entry-level contract.

The 18-year-old star spent the last three seasons with the OHL's Erie Otters. He was selected by the Oilers with the first overall pick in the NHL draft last month.

McDavid, from Newmarket, Ontario, had 120 points (44 goals, 76 assists) in 47 games with Erie last season.

McDavid helped Canada win gold at the world junior hockey championship this year.

Ice chips

Forward Brandon Saad signed a six-year, $36 million contract with the Blue Jackets. Saad, 22, was acquired from the Blackhawks this week.

... The Sharks signed forward Joel Ward to a three-year contract.