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Sabres re-sign RFA Foligno

Sabres re-sign RFA Foligno
Posted at 3:40 PM, Jul 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-14 15:54:40-04

Marcus Foligno is back in the fold with the Sabres.

The rugged forward signed a one-year contract worth $2.25 million Thursday to stay in Buffalo.  He was a restricted free agent.

The 6'3'' winger is coming off his fifth season with the Sabres.  In 2015-16 he posted career-highs in games played (75), goals (10) and points (23).

With Foligno back in the mix it provides the Sabres with a good, versatile bottom six winger.  He can provide offense at times and can kill penalties as well.

Foligno is currently at his summer home in Sudbury, Ontario.  He spoke with 7 Eyewitness Sports Anchor Shawn Stepner on Thursday.

On the new contract:

"I'm excited. A one-year contract is good for me.  It gives me a year to do what I did in the second half of the season. Right from the get-go I have to have a solid year for our team.  I feel really good going into this year with the summer I've had.  I feel great.  I'm definitely looking at this year to be more of a leadership role.  I definitely feel that a one-year deal is going to help me put forth my best effort and work for a longer term contract."

"A one-year deal puts you on the edge a little bit but enough to be comfortable and play my best game."

On the next step for him, what General Manager Tim Murray and Head Coach Dan Bylsma have told him:

"The expectations are high. Tim and I had a good conversation after I signed.  I have a lot of respect for Tim.  It's pretty clear:  You have to bring your best game every night.  The way I played the last half of last season is the way I need to play every night.  I know I'm that player now.  I'm at that caliber now where I need to bring it every night and I can."

On if any other teams showed interest in him:

"Not that I know of.  There was always just Buffalo.  My intentions were to get a deal done with Buffalo first."

Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter: @StepnerWKBW