BUFFALO, N.Y. (Sabres Release) – Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier today announced that left wing Michael Ryan and center Paul Szczechura (pronounced sha-HUR-uh) have both agreed to one-year contracts.
Ryan (6’1”, 188 lbs., 5/16/80) spent five seasons with the Sabres organization from 2003-2007. During that time, Ryan appeared in 65 games with the Sabres and collected 13 points (7+6). In 210 career games with Rochester, Ryan amassed 122 points (56+66).
Ryan also appeared in 18 games with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2008-09 season. Overall, Ryan has appeared in 83 NHL career NHL games, collecting 15 points (7+8).
In addition to his four seasons with the Americans (2003-2007), Ryan has appeared in 101 games with the Albany River Rats, Springfield Falcons and Adirondack Phantoms. Ryan has compiled 208 points (108+100) in 311 games during his AHL career.
The Boston, Mass. native was originally acquired by the Sabres from Dallas with a second-round choice in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft on March, 10, 2003 in exchange for Stu Barnes.
Szczechura (5’11”, 190 lbs., 11/30/85) spent last season with the Norfolk Admirals (AHL). In 79 games with the Admirals, the Brantford, Ont. native collected 52 points (22+30). Szczechura appeared in 83 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning during parts of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, amassing 16 points (9+7).
In 214 career AHL games, Szczechura totaled 148 points (62+86) between Norfolk and the Iowa Stars.
