The Buffalo Sabres on Thursday swapped defensemen with the Rochester Americans, recalling Zach Metsa and sending Ryan Johnson to their AHL affiliate.
Metsa, 26, has never played in the NHL. The Amerks recently named him captain.
The undrafted Wisconsin native began his pro career on a two-year AHL contract before earning a two-year, two-way NHL deal during the offseason.
The 5-foot-9, 196-pound Metsa, a right shot, led the Amerks with 39 assists last season. His 46 points ranked third.
He has compiled 14 goals and 70 points in 125 career games with Rochester.
Shortly after winning a national championship with Quinnipiac University in 2023, he joined the Amerks on a tryout and enjoyed regular duty throughout the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Meanwhile, Johnson, 24, played three of the Sabres’ first four games. He skated just 5 minutes, 12 seconds in Wednesday’s 8-4 win over the Ottawa Senators in KeyBank Center. He did not receive any ice time in the third period.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Johnson has registered seven assists in 47 career games with the Sabres and two goals and 22 points in 93 career contests with the Amerks.
The Sabres drafted him 31st overall in 2019.