BUFFALO, New York (AFP) - Goaltender Ryan Miller inked a five-year contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres worth a reported 31.25 million dollars on Friday.

"I was really happy with the way it went," the 28-year-old Miller said. "There wasn't that much back and forth. They made a good offer and projected what the marketplace is now going forward with the cap. It's a fair deal for both sides."

The Sabres did not confirm financial terms, but the reported 31 million-dollar figure signals Miller is now the face of the club.

Miller, a 2007 All-Star and one of hockey's top young goaltenders, would have been eligible for free agency after the 2008-09 season.

But the Sabres, who have lost multiple star players due to financial restrictions over the past two years, confirmed their long-term commitment to Miller.

"It came down to, this is a goaltender we believe in," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "This is a goaltender who's only going to get better, and this is a goaltender who ultimately we think we can win a championship with."

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