Paul Gaustad (Photo: Bill Wippert)

Buffalo Sabres general manager Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have re-signed forward Paul Gaustad to a four-year contract. The 26-year-old Gaustad was scheduled to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

“We felt it was very important to sign Paul to a multi-year deal at this stage of his career,” said Regier. “He has become an integral part of our team both on and off the ice in the past three years.”

Gaustad (6’4”, 229 lbs.) has scored 82 points (28+54) in 215 games during his three seasons in Buffalo. He posted career-highs in goals (10) and assists (26) last season, and was one of four Sabres to play in all 82 games.

Gaustad was selected by Buffalo in the 7th round (220th overall) of the 2000 Entry Draft.