BUFFALO, NY (July 24, 2008) – Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier today announced the Sabres have signed unrestricted free agent LW Mathieu Darche.

Darche (11/26/1976, 6’1”, 217 lbs.) spent the 2007-08 season with Tampa Bay, recording a career-high 22 points (7+15) in 73 games. He also picked up 10 points (3+7) in four games with Norfolk (AHL). Darche has 24 points (8+16) in 101 career NHL games with Columbus, Nashville, San Jose and Tampa Bay.

A native of Montreal, Quebec, the 31-year-old Darche has 352 points (165+187) in 440 AHL games since signing as an undrafted free agent with Columbus on May 16, 2000. He has five AHL seasons of 20 or more goals, including two when he topped the 30-goal plateau. In 2006-07 with Worcester, Darche posted career-highs in goals (35), assists (45) and points (80).

Darche played four seasons (1996-2000) of Canadian university hockey with the McGill Redmen, scoring 130 points (60+70) in 90 games. He is one of just 98 players from the Canadian university system who have gone on to play in the NHL. Darche’s older brother, J.P., is a long snapper with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.