February 29, 2008 | 10:32am ET
Sabres next challenge: Signing Miller long-term TheFourthPeriod.com
Sabres goalie Ryan Miller has one-year left on his current contract, and the National Post wonders how much longer he'll remain in Buffalo.
Miller, 27, is set to make $3.5 million next year and he doesn't appear to be in a rush to negotiate an extension.
"The earliest you can do it is July, and I like to celebrate my birthday in July and just have fun, so I don't think it's going to happen then," Miller told the Post. "So there's no point in bringing it up now. It doesn't help anything this season, and it might not even be a factor for most of next season."
On Tuesday, the Sabres were forced to trade defenseman Brian Campbell to San Jose because the two sides weren't able to come to terms on a contract extension. The Sabres offered Campbell a three-year deal, while the veteran was looking for a five- or six-year commitment.
In the summer, the Sabres lost Daniel Briere and Chris Drury to free agency. Over the past few summers, the team also waived goodbye to defenseman Jay McKee, right wing J.P. Dumont and right wing Mike Grier.
"You move forward," Miller said. "We have a group of guys who have gone through the playoffs and gone through a lot more than a lot of teams can say about their young players. I don't think it's hemorrhaging: Guys have to make decisions."
The Buffalo News reported earlier this week that Miller would be looking for a six-year extension when it's time to negotiate, worth around $41 million.
Miller's definitely someone Sabres GM Darcy Regier should focus on this summer. Despite everyone attacking the Sabres for dealing Brian Campbell, I actually loved the trade the team made. Steve Bernier needed a change of scenery, and I think he'll shine in Buffalo (so far so good, by the way). Plus, the team received a first-round pick in what's expected to be a deep draft. With regards to Miller, he's deserving of the money and the Sabres cannot afford to lose him. They didn't have much of a choice with regards to Campbell - he was asking for too much. But losing Miller would be a big mistake. Regier can start thinking of an extension in the summer and try to lock him up all season long if need be.
