After trading for his rights in a deal with Arizona two weeks ago, the Sabres and defenseman Brandon Hickey have agreed to a two-year entry level contract, the team announced on Sunday.

Hickey, who was originally drafted by Calgary in 2014, spent all four years at Boston University and earned the highest honor serving as captain this past season for the Terriers.

“I thought it was pretty important for me to stay for the four years. Playing for Coach (David) Quinn was unbelievable. He’s a really good defensive minded coach.  He does a good job with defenseman,” Hickey said at Development Camp.  “You look at the ‘08-‘09 national championship team and all six ‘D’ that played on that team, played in the NHL.

He does an outstanding job. I wanted to develop my role a little bit. I didn’t want to be one of the three to four guys, I wanted to be a number one, two defenseman and take on a leadership role.”

Hickey isn’t an offensive defenseman, combing to score 21 goals in 147 college games, but he can skate and push the pace – attributes the Sabres are looking for as they look to bolster their blue line.

He ranked seventh on the Terriers in shots taken with 77 and second in blocked shots with 60.

Suiting for Hall of Fame Head Coach Phil Housley is a nice perk, too.

“I wanted to come in and show him what I’m made of,” Hickey added following a training session at HarborCenter.  “I’m a mobile defenseman like him.  That’s definitely something that’s cool to be in the same room and talk to someone like him.”