Sabres sign Niedermayer, re-sign Weber - 07-07-10

So much for those "Niedermayer... DEAD!" jokes in Pittsburgh.

The Sabres have signed unrestricted free agent center Rob Niedermayer to a one-year deal worth $1 million.

Niedermayer, 35, appeared in 71 games for the Devils last season and recorded 21 points.

The Penguins supposedly kicked the tires on Niedermayer in hopes of signing a third-line center in order to allow Jordan Staal to take a spot among the top six forwards.

Additionally, the Sabres re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Mike Weber, a native of Pittsburgh, to a one-year deal worth $650,000.

Weber did not appear in the NHL last season and played in 80 games for the Portland Pirates, the Sabres' AHL affiliate. He recorded 21 points (five goals, 15 assists) and a plus-18.

EN Says: The Niedermayer signing is a typical signing for the Sabres. Very conservative. Not too splashy. And fairly cheap. Niedermayer will be a solid, No. 3 center for the Sabres and will bring some leadership. And a Stanley Cup ring. The Sabres are a little light in that area.

Regarding the Penguins, there are plenty of potential No. 3 centers still on the market should the Penguins choose to take that route.

Weber has a chance to make the Sabres' NHL roster out of camp this year, especially after the team lost defenseman Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallinder to free agency.

(Photo: Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)