Newz Forum: HOCKEY: Buffalo re-signs two; settles with Biron

Buffalo, NY (Sports Network) - The Buffalo Sabres Monday re-signed forward J.P. Dumont and defenseman Brad Brown, while agreeing to a one-year arbitration settlement with goaltender Martin Biron. Per team policy, financial terms of the deals were not released.

Dumont posted 22 goals and a career-high 31 assists last season. It was his third season with at least 20 goals. Dumont was originally the New York Islanders' first-round pick (3rd overall) in the 1997 draft.

"J.P. provided us with solid play and leadership throughout last season," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "He is a tremendous competitor and has developed into a solid NHL forward at both ends of the ice."

Brown, meanwhile, registered just two assists in 13 games with the Sabres last season. He was acquired in March from Minnesota along with a sixth-round pick in the 2005 draft in exchange for a fourth-round selection in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Finally, Biron's arbitration hearing took place on August 6 in Toronto. He earned a 26-18-5 record last season with two shutouts. Biron notched a .913 save percentage and a 2.52 goals against average in 2003-04.

"Marty had a strong finish to last season and we look for him to solidify into a top NHL netminder," Regier added. "He has experience as a starter in the NHL and we look forward to his continued development with our organization."

Biron has appeared in 246 career games, recording a 101-103-25 mark with 17 shutouts, a 2.44 GAA and a .911 save percentage.

If Buffalo can keep their young guns and let them grow lilke they are they will be back in the playoffs.