BUFFALO, N.Y. - Sabres general manager Darcy Regier received a contract extension just as the lockout-delayed NHL season is set to start.

The deal had been agreed to before Saturday's announcement by team owner Terry Pegula. Buffalo will open its shortened season Sunday at home against Philadelphia.

Regier, entering his 16th season as Sabres general manager, has overseen a franchise that has reached the Eastern Conference finals four times, most recently in 2007. However, Buffalo has missed the playoffs in three of the past five seasons.

No terms of the extension were released.

"He's a talented guy," Pegula said. "From what I read, maybe not everyone agrees with that, but he has all the resources now. We work very well together and we're looking forward to the future."

Regier was humbled by the announcement.

"I'm very grateful and honoured to be able to continue in this capacity," Regier said, "working with this ownership and people that I've had the honour to work with for a lot of years. We continue to grow and improve."

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