BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres, whose financial operations are being run by the NHL, agreed to terms on a two-year contract with veteran defenseman James Patrick.

Financial terms were not released.

Patrick has 15 goals and 32 assists in 221 games with Buffalo since signing as a free agent in October 1998.

"Despite having opportunities elsewhere, we are very proud that James has chosen to remain with the Buffalo Sabres and stay in our community," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "James has proven to be an important contributor to our hockey team over the past four seasons. He has provided us with depth and veteran leadership and will be a valuable presence to our younger players."

Patrick became the 14th defenseman in NHL history to record 600 career points and play in 1,100 games when he scored a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins last Oct. 14.

The 39-year-old Patrick has 141 goals and 471 assists in 1,156 games with the New York Rangers, Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames and Sabres. He ranks 20th among active players in games played.