South Buffalo native Tim Kennedy has reached a one-year contract agreement worth $550,000 with the New York Rangers, ending four weeks of misery after he was waived and had his contract bought out by his hometown Sabres.
Kennedy received a one-way deal, meaning he would be paid his full salary without worrying about being sent to the minors. It was one of several sticking points he had with the Sabres before negotiations broke down en route to him taking them to arbitration. The Sabres wanted him to accept a two-way deal that would allow them to send him to AHL Portland for much less money.
The 24-year-old was awarded a one-year deal worth $1 million in arbitration, $200,000 more than the Sabres offered him before contracts talks broke down. The arbitration amount was too low for the Sabres to walk away, so they elected to waive him and buy out the deal for $333,333.
Kennedy will still receive $883,333 total with his contract with the Rangers and the Sabres buyout cost added to this season. The Sabres are left with less depth and one fewer prospect who showed offensive potential after an inconsistent rookie year. Kennedy had 10 goals and 26 points during the regular season but came on strong late in the year and was among their top forwards in the playoffs.
--- Bucky Gleason
