Sabres Finally Sign Zhitnik

The Buffalo Sabres took off Friday for tonight’s season opener at Dallas with some baggage they didn’t mind carrying at all--the skates, stick and smarts of their top defenseman, Alexei Zhitnik.

Zhitnik, who again sat out all of training camp pending resolution of his contract, signed a two-year deal for $2.5 million per year plus bonuses that could add another six figures.

“I will definitely be in training camp next year,” said Zhitnik, who is set to play tonight.

Zhitnik flew from his native Ukraine on Wednesday, and he and agent Serge Levin met with Sabre General Manager Darcy Regier and team negotiator Kevin Billet on Thursday. Levin said that both sides agreed to terms Thursday night.

*

The Dallas Stars agreed on a four-year contract extension for defenseman Derian Hatcher, locking up their captain through the 2002-03 season.

Hatcher, who was entering the final year of his contract, has played all seven of his NHL seasons with the Stars.

The 26-year-old defenseman, who will make $18.6 million over the next five seasons, had six goals and a career-high 25 assists in 70 games last season as the Stars claimed the President’s Trophy with a league-best 49 victories and 109 points.

*

Free agent Esa Tikkanen signed with the New York Rangers after leading the team in scoring during the exhibition season. It is the third time he has played for the Rangers. The 14-year veteran has played on five Stanley Cup winners, four with the Edmonton Oilers and one with the Rangers. . . . The Montreal Canadiens signed defenseman Vladimir Malakhov to a two-year, $5.275-million contract.

*

Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs will drop the first puck when the Blackhawks open their season tonight against New Jersey at Chicago.