BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – Veteran forward Mike Grier is prepared to test free agency after the Buffalo Sabres said they aren’t likely to re-sign him.

Grier’s agent, Jay Fee, said his client is open to returning to Buffalo and the two sides haven’t ruled out making a deal later this summer. The NHL’s free-agency period begins Saturday.

“We’ll see,” Fee said Wednesday. “It’s not like at this point it’s a See you later,’ type thing.”

Grier is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, but unsure what he’s worth on the open market after making $1.36 million in salary last year.

Sabres general manager Darcy Regier, was not immediately available for comment, but has previously said he expected all three of Buffalo’s unrestricted free-agent regulars – Grier and defensemen Jay McKee and Teppo Numminen – to test free agency.

A nine-year NHL veteran, Grier was a valuable defensive specialist and behind-the-scenes leader in helping a young Sabres team win a franchise-record 52 regular-season games and make an extended playoff run this year.

Buffalo, which has only three returning veterans under contract, is attempting to keep the core of a team that reached the Eastern Conference final.

The priority is reaching deals with 15 regulars – including co-captain Daniel Briere and goaltender Ryan Miller – whose rights the team retained earlier this month.

Grier finished with 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in 81 games last season – his lowest point total since registering 15 in 1997-98 with Edmonton.

But he scored a career-high four game-winning goals while usually playing against an opposing team’s top line.

He added three goals and five assists in 18 playoff games.

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