"The Sabres' chats this week with the agent for center Tim Connolly have not included any contract proposals, agent J.P. Barry told The News by phone this afternoon.

Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said Saturday and Monday that he had talked to and planned to again talk to Barry about Connolly, who will become an unrestricted free agent Friday. Barry said it's impossible to tell at this stage whether Connolly will reach the market or re-sign with the Sabres before it opens.

"We haven't gotten into the stage of making offers to each other," Barry said. "We're just talking about whether or not there's a chance and whether or not it makes sense for them and for us to do something."

Connolly has been with the Sabres since 2001."