The Sabres are re-signing Jordan Greenway to a two-year contract worth $4 million per year, according to a league source. Greenway, 28, was in the final season of his contract. He’s been one of Buffalo’s best defensive forwards this season and is a go-to guy on the penalty kill. Health has been one of the major question marks in Greenway’s career. He’s missed at least 10 games in each of the last three seasons because of injuries. He had to have surgery earlier this season for what the team labeled a mid-body injury, but he came back after the 4 Nations break and made an impact right away.
When he’s healthy, Greenway is a physical presence, averaging more than seven hits per 60 minutes of ice time in each of the last four seasons. His career high is just 32 points, but Greenway brings value beyond the stat sheet. The Sabres are the youngest team in the NHL and one that couldn’t afford to lose a defensively responsible veteran like Greenway, who has become a leader for this team. Last week, Greenway doubled down on his desire to be in Buffalo and he put action behind those words by signing this deal.
“My experience here has been unreal,” Greenway said. “I love this group. I love the direction that Kevyn (Adams), Lindy (Ruff), the direction they’re trying to go. I’m all in. Being an older guy trying to help the young guys do what it takes, let them know, show them what it takes to make the playoffs and this and that, it’s inspiring. I really enjoy it. The city, playing here, it’s been truly a great experience. I would love to be here next year.”
GO DEEPER
Sabres’ Jordan Greenway shows he’s ‘all in’ ahead of NHL trade deadline
While $4 million is a significant salary for Greenway, the Sabres have the cap space to handle the raise. And the fact that it’s only a two-year deal gives Greenway the flexibility to hit free agency in two years when the cap will have gone up even more while giving the team flexibility as it waits for prospects to develop. Worst case scenario, Greenway has been in demand on the trade market in recent seasons, and there’s no reason to think that would change if the Sabres or Greenway wanted to go in a different direction at any point during this contract. The fact that a useful veteran player was willing to stay in Buffalo given the way the Sabres’ season has gone is something general manager Kevyn Adams had to take advantage of.
