The Sabres' image took a beating last summer. co-captains Chris Drury and Daniel Briere bolted town on the opening day of free agency, and all that was left behind were questions about whether the team was committed to building a winner. This summer, the question is being answered.

The Sabres continued their summer of aggression by signing franchise goaltender Ryan Miller to a five-year, $31.25 million contract extension. The 28-year-old had one year left on his contract, and Buffalo moved quickly to ensure he's in town for six more seasons.

"There wasn't that much back and forth," Miller said. "They made a good offer and projected what the marketplace is now going forward with the cap. It's a fair deal for both sides. I just like the fact they showed faith in me. They want to build a team with core guys."

It's something the team had appeared to be hesitant to do before. Besides Drury and Briere, defenseman Jay McKee and Brian Campbell and forwards J.P. Dumont and Mike Grier were allowed to leave town because of money. But Miller's big deal and recent contracts for Paul Gaustad, Daniel Paille and prospects Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy show the team wants to get a good reputation back.

"I chose Buffalo," Miller said. "It is a bit of a buy-in. I buy into what they're about. That's winning hockey games based on caring about the players and individuals. I have a great relationship with everyone in this organization. It made a lot of sense to stay here. I have great friends and teammates. I trust my coaches, I trust my management and that's not a situation you can always step into, especially with free agency."

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