by By John Vogl - NEWS SPORTS REPORTER , Buffalo News

The Sabres made an obvious answer official Thursday, announcing that their rookie defenseman will stay with the NHL club past his nine-game tryout limit. They could have sent the 19-year-old back to junior Hockey before tonight's game against Toronto and saved a year of his contract, but in the process they would have weakened their blue line.

"He made it pretty easy," coach Lindy Ruff said. "He played real well for us."

Myers leads the Sabres' blue-liners in goals (two) and points (five), and he's third on the team with 20:20 of ice time per game. Sending him back to Kelowna of the Western Hockey League would have left an obvious hole in the lineup, so he will remain with the Sabres for the "foreseeable future," General Manager Darcy Regier said.

"He's like the other guys in that he really just needs to continue his work, continue a process of continuous improvement," Regier said. "That's what we're looking for. Lindy emphasized that the expectations are there'll be ups and downs, there'll be adversity, but we expect him to continue to improve not just this year but in the future."

Myers, who's been living in a local hotel, will seek more permanent residence. But aside from that and the excitement of becoming an NHL regular, Thursday was just another day of practice for Myers in the Amherst Pepsi Center.

"Obviously, it feels good," he said. "It's exciting, but I obviously don't want to stop after 10 games. It's early in the season, and I want to keep improving every game, show that I can build as the schedule gets tougher.

"I don't want to get too comfortable. I still want to play at a high intensity. Sometimes if guys get a little comfortable, they slow down a bit, so I want to make sure I keep it going and try to limit those mistakes, just keep improving."

The debate within the organization -- "less debate as it got closer to the 10 games, mostly because of his play," Regier conceded -- revolved around Myers' long-term status. By playing 10 games with the Sabres , Myers will become a restricted free agent at age 22. If he plays 40 games, he will become an unrestricted free agent at 26 instead of 27.

"It's a pretty big decision," Regier said.

Myers' performance and attitude made it easy.

"He's an even-keeled young man. That's one of the things we like about him," Regier said. "Whether he's getting on the bus or the plane after a game, you'd be hard-pressed to know whether he had a great game or a poor game. He realizes that it's a long road, and he looks at the opportunity to play and get better."

***

The Sabres prepared for the visit by the Maple Leafs without defenseman Toni Lydman and centers Paul Gaustad and Tim Connolly. Lydman continues to be hindered by the groin strain that has forced him to miss the past two games. Gaustad played Wednesday in New Jersey despite severe flulike symptoms. Connolly got Thursday off for minor bumps and bruises.

"With three [games] in four [nights], we didn't feel it was important for them to be out there," Ruff said.

Lydman and defenseman Andrej Sekera, who filled Gaustad's role at center while nursing his rib injury, are doubtful for tonight.

***

The Sabres will honor "Hockey Fights Cancer" month tonight in HSBC Arena. The coaches and broadcasters will wear commemorative ties and pins. Lydman and Thomas Vanek have donated suite tickets to tonight's game to Camp Good Days, while defenseman Steve Montador has given a pair of tickets to a child fighting cancer. Ryan Miller has donated his suite for the entire season to Carly's Club.

Fans also will be able to donate $10 to get a pink extension in their hair in the east wing of the pavilion. "Hockey Fights Cancer" scarves, ties and hats will be available for purchase in the Sabres' store.

e-mail: jvogl@buffnews.com

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