The Sabres have signed veteran left winger Jeff Cowan, who more than likely will earn a ticket to Portland rather than a spot on Buffalo's already crowded forward lines.
Cowan has played in 413 NHL games since debuting with Calgary in the 1999-2000 season. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder has also played for Atlanta, Los Angeles and Vancouver, recording 47 goals, 34 assists and 695 penalty minutes. He spent last season with the AHL's Peoria Rivermen, the St. Louis Blues' affiliate, and had five goals, 10 assists and 94 penalty minutes in 71 games.
The Sabres' minor-league team in Portland is in need of veteran depth after losing numerous players since last season.
---John Vogl
