Alexander Sulzer played 57 games with the Sabres. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

BUFFALO – Former Sabres defenseman Alexander Sulzer has signed a five-year contract with Kolner Haie, a DEL team in his native Germany.

Sulzer was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The 29-year-old played 57 games with the Sabres over parts of three years, compiling six goals and 14 points.

He suffered a season-ending concussion March 13. He said last month he was still experiencing headaches.

The Sabres’ old regime waived Sulzer late in training camp and sent him to Rochester, where he played 10 AHL games. The team recalled him for good Nov. 23 after new coach Ted Nolan scouted the Americans. Nolan wanted Sulzer to provide veteran stability.

But with a slew of young defenseman coming up, Sulzer’s days appeared numbered. Injuries and healthy scratches limited him to only 25 games in 2013-14.

Sulzer played five seasons in the DEL before coming to North America in 2007. He also played there during the 2012-13 NHL lockout.