BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – Restricted free agent forward Miroslav Satan signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Monday.

Satan, who had 26 goals and a career-high 75 points last season, earned $3.55 million, and has said he wanted to be the team’s highest-paid player.

A seven-time 20-goal scorer, Satan had sought $5 million a year. The team had offered $4.5 million.

The deal was struck after a conference call between Sabres managing partner Larry Quinn, general manager Darcy Regier and Satan, who was in his native Slovakia.

Regier said the deal makes Satan the second highest paid player in team history, behind goalie Dominik Hasek, a two-time league MVP who is now with the Detroit Red Wings. Regier said there are no incentive clauses in the contract.

“Miro’s been one of the most consistent players in the league,” Regier said. “He is an integral part of this hockey team.”

The 28-year-old Satan was acquired from Edmonton in 1997 and has led the Sabres in goal scoring the last five seasons.

“I feel very comfortable with the deal,” Satan said by telephone Monday. “I’m looking forward to continuing my career with the Sabres.”

Satan is expected in Buffalo by Wednesday.

“I feel that I’m in good shape,” said Satan, who had been playing for a team in Slovakia. “I’ve been getting 25 to 30 minutes of ice time per game.”

Satan said he believed this year’s Sabres team will be different from the one that has struggled the past few seasons.

“I’ve talked to some of the players and I’ve heard the attitude in the dressing room has changed,” Satan said. “We’ve acquired some new players and we are definitely a better team than we were at the end of last season.”

AP-ES-09-29-03 1847EDT