One of the top offensive defensemen in junior hockey is ready to take his skills to the

Sabres' organization.

Nick Crawford signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Sabres on Thursday. The 20-

year-old led Ontario Hockey League defensemen in scoring, establishing career highs in points

(70), assists (59) and goals (11) in 68 games with the Barrie Colts and Saginaw Spirit.

Crawford was named to the OHL's First All-Star Team and was selected as the league's Best

Offensive Defenseman in the OHL Coaches Poll. He finished second in voting for OHL Defenseman

of the Year.

The 6-foot-1, 183-pounder had 12 assists in 17 playoff games. The Sabres drafted him in the

sixth round of the 2008 draft, which also brought Tyler Ennis and Tyler Myers to the

organization.

"He's made tremendous progress since we drafted him two years ago in the sixth round,"

General Manager Darcy Regier said, "and we look forward to him having a bright future with the

Buffalo Sabres organization."