BUFFALO – General manager Jason Botterill made a significant trade tonight to help the Sabres this season, sending a 2019 first-round pick and defense prospect Brendan Guhle to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Brandon Montour.
The first-round pick is the one the Sabres received from the San Jose Sharks last year, according to TSN. The Ducks have the option of taking the Sabres’ first-rounder from the St. Louis Blues if it’s between pick 20 to 31.
Montour, 24, has scored 16 goals and 63 points in 169 NHL games. The former second-round pick has compiled five goals and 25 points in 62 contests this season.
“Brandon is a young, offensive-minded defenseman who can play the up-tempo style we are looking to play,” Botterill said in a statement. “He’s a right-shot defenseman that brings additional playoff experience to our club.”
Meanwhile, Guhle, once the Sabres’ top defense prospect, spent most of the past two seasons with the Rochester Americans. Guhle, 21, has played 23 NHL games, including two this season.
Montour has one season and a $3.25 million salary cap hit left on his contract.
Meanwhile, Guhle, once the Sabres’ top defense prospect, spent most of the past two seasons with the Rochester Americans. Guhle, 21, has played 23 NHL games, including two this season.
Still, the Sabres’ old regime drafted Guhle in the second round in 2015, 51st overall. Botterill had no investment in Guhle, a youngster many expected would be in the NHL by now.
Stay tuned for much more! The NHL trade deadline is 3 p.m. Monday.
Glad they didn’t trade for a rental!