Updated

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo Sabres defenceman Andrej Sekera has filed for salary arbitration, though the player's agent believes a long-term deal will be reached before a hearing takes place.

Allan Walsh told The Associated Press that his client filed for arbitration before the Tuesday afternoon deadline to preserve his rights as a restricted free agent. He adds negotiations will continue with the intention of having a deal completed within a few weeks.

Sekera's hearing has not yet been set, but is expected to take place by mid-August. Sekera made US$1.25 million last year, and his rights were retained by the Sabres last month when the team tendered him a contract.

He has four-plus years of NHL experience, and had a career-best 29 points (three goals, 26 assists) in 76 games last season.