Sabres forward Derek Roy avoided NHL arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a six-year, $24 million contract with Buffalo. It's a hefty deal for a third-line center coming off a career season in which he finished fifth on the Sabres with 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists) in 75 games. The deal represents a significant raise for Roy, who made $627,000 last year. "Derek is a solid young player who will only continue to improve," general manager Darcy Regier said. "We look forward to having such a quality player in our organization for many years to come." The deal was announced shortly before Roy was scheduled to have an arbitration hearing in Toronto.