Sabres' Briere to test waters; free agency starts tomorrow

Co-captain Daniel Briere has broken off negotiations with the Buffalo Sabres, deciding to test the free-agent market when it opens tomorrow.

"We've made the decision to go to July 1 and sit down and seek all options at that point," agent Pat Brisson told the Associated Press yesterday.

The Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens are among numerous teams with salary-cap space expected to make offers to Briere, especially with the announcement yesterday that the cap is expected to rise about $6.3 million to $50.3 million.

Briere particularly has been linked with the Flyers, where he could rejoin his friend and former teammate, goalie Martin Biron. The Canadiens are also high in mix; Briere is a French Canadian, who grew up 2 hours from Montreal.

Briere's decision, which came a day after he traveled to Los Angeles to meet with Brisson, will make the player one of the most sought-after free agents. He's expected to attract offers above $6 million, coming off a career-high season in which he finished 10th in the NHL with 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists).

The Sabres waited more than a month after their season ended before finally making Briere an offer Wednesday, reportedly a 5-year, $25 million deal.

"We haven't closed the door on Buffalo at all," Brisson said. "There's no animosity; there's a lot of respect there."

Buffalo stands to lose both co-captains this offseason, with Chris Drury also eligible to become a free agent.

Briere appeared in his first career All-Star Game this season and earned the game's MVP honors. He also produced in the clutch, scoring 10 game-winners over the past two seasons.

* Defenseman Jaroslav Modry and left wing Jeff Giuliano re-signed with the Kings, agreeing to 1-year contracts. *