For years, the Sabres have been an organization built on smaller, shifty skaters with speed. The complementary pieces are arriving.

The Sabres have drafted bigger players the last two years, and they are starting to sign with the organization. Buffalo recently agreed to terms with 6-foot-5 defenseman Brayden McNabb and 6-3 forward Marcus Foligno. They will join fellow 2009 draft pick Zack Kassian (6-foot-3) in the organization next season.

They will complement forwards such as Derek Roy (5-10), Tyler Ennis (5-9) and Nathan Gerbe (5-5).

"They're all big bodies," general manager Darcy Regier said of the recent signees. "We've got the Nathan Gerbes and Tyler Ennises, and I think these guys are great support on the other side of that. It's that balance, the diversity of the team. When you look down the road, I think you'll see all these guys playing together."

Foligno, the son of former Sabres captain Mike Foligno, played for Team Canada in the world junior championships and set career highs in goals (23), assists (36) and points (59) for Sudbury of the Ontario Hockey League. The league's coaches also named him the best body checker in the Eastern Conference.

McNabb was named a Western Hockey League Eastern Conference First Team All-Star this season, recording 21 goals and 72 points in 59 games.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT
The fans in Buffalo began chanting, "Ry-an Mill-er, Ry-an Mill-er!" after he robbed Philadelphia forward and former Sabres co-captain Danny Briere alone in front in the final minutes of Game 4. The save helped seal a 1-0 victory and allowed the Sabres to tie the opening-round playoff series 2-2.

TURNING POINT
The Sabres, who were just 14-18-4 on Dec. 27, began hearing that Terry Pegula, a former season-ticket holder turned billionaire, was nearing a purchase of the club. He was introduced to a standing ovation Feb. 23, and the Sabres closed 16-4-4 to make the playoffs.

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