Former Av Andre Benoit Signs With Sabers

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - The Buffalo Sabres signed free-agent defenseman Andre Benoit to a one-year contract Wednesday.

Benoit spent last season with the Colorado Avalanche, and had a career-best 28 points (seven goals, 21 assists) in 79 games. He previously spent parts of two seasons with the Ottawa Senators.

Overall, he has 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points in 120 career NHL games.

Benoit also spent the 2011-12 season with Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League.

The 30-year-old is listed at 5-foot-11 and 191 pounds.

The Sabres have plenty established depth at defense, making Benoit a candidate to spend time with Buffalo's AHL affiliate in Rochester.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)