WKBW-TV is the first to report that former Buffalo Sabres forward Tim Kennedy will sign a one-year deal to play for the New York Rangers in 2010-11.

Kennedy, the South Buffalo native who was one of the better forwards for the Sabres in the playoffs last year, was surprisingly waived following his $1.1-million salary awarded to him when he and the team went to arbitration.  The move prompted a flood of criticism from fans, who complained that owner Tom Golisano was shaving money off the payroll by sacrificing a gritty hometown player who hadn’t yet hit the prime of his career.

Kennedy scored 10 goals and had 26 points in his first full season in the NHL with Buffalo last year.  He also had a goal and two assists and was a plus-three during the Sabres’ first round playoff loss to Boston.

We’ll have more information as it becomes available.