Sabres owner favors keeping stars

Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula favors re-signing goalie Ryan Miller and forward Thomas Vanek to long-term contracts, while acknowledging both players will have a say in determining their respective futures.

''We want them here,'' Pegula said Tuesday in a 24-minute interview during the Sabres-controlled segment on Buffalo's WGR-Radio. Pegula, however, shared fans' concerns in noting that one or both players may elect to leave once their contracts expire after next season

Speaking publicly for the first time in two months, Pegula backed oft-criticized general manager Darcy Regier's ability to continue rebuilding the Sabres roster. Pegula added that Ron Rolston did such a good job in closing the season as interim coach that he left the Sabres no choice but give him the job on a full-time basis.