Clifton signs 3-year, $9.99 million contract with Sabres

Connor Clifton signed a three-year, $9.99 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. It has an average annual value of $3.33 million.

The 28-year-old defenseman had 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) in 78 regular-season games for the Boston Bruins last season and no points in three Stanley Cup Playoff games.

"They're obviously young. We talked about that," Clifton said. "They're dynamic. I think they're fun to watch. Honestly, fun to play against too. You know you've got a high-scoring game. You've got a bunch of grade-A chances you're going to give up to them because they just play that style. And obviously, I think everyone feels it -- they've been building something special the past couple of years, and I'm excited to be part of it. … They could have easily made playoffs, but they're just getting better each year. … It's kind of been fun to watch the past couple of years, so I'm just really excited."

Selected by the Phoenix Coyotes in the fifth round (No. 133) of the 2013 NHL Draft, Clifton has 43 points (10 goals, 33 assists) in 232 regular-season games for the Bruins and 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 46 playoff games.

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Clifton played for Sabres coach Don Granato for two seasons (2011-13) with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.

"It was a huge part," Clifton said. "Obviously, the man, coach he is, he's just so easy to get behind. Yeah, he was a huge part in this decision, and I couldn't be more excited to have him behind the bench again."

He is the second defenseman signed by the Sabres on Saturday; they also signed Erik Johnson to a one-year, $3.25 million contract. The 35-year-old had eight assists in 63 games for the Colorado Avalanche last season.

"It's an area that we've identified we'd like to help our NHL roster improve, just depth and quality … making sure that we have depth to cover ourselves (in case of injuries)," Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said Thursday.

The Sabres also signed forward Tyson Jost to a one-year, $2 million contract. The 25-year-old had 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 59 games for Buffalo last season after being claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 19.

"[Clifton is] our kind of guy," Adams said. "He's competitive, he's a great character person. He's going to help our group. He's a good skater, physical presence. He has a real familiarity with the way we want and need to play as a team obviously with his history with Donny. … He's going to bring a lot to the table and seems to be one of those guys that you talked to for a few minutes and just feels like our kind of guy."

NHL.com independent correspondent Heather Engel contributed to this report.