October 4, 2011, 2:55 PM
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenceman Matt MacKenzie, the team’s 2010 third-round draft pick, to an entry-level contract.
Drafted 83rd overall, MacKenzie has 18 goals, 80 assists and 180 penalty minutes in 225 games split between the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen and Tri-City Americans.
The 19-year-old MacKenzie is preparing for his second season with Tri-City.
The signing was announced Tuesday while the Sabres are in Europe preparing to play an exhibition game against German pro team Adler Mannheim.
Buffalo opens the season facing Anaheim in Helsinki, Finland on Friday.