The Buffalo Sabres were an element of one among the more stunning trades of this NHL offseason. Now, just days after Bowen Byram went to the Chicago Blackhawks, they’ve added a defenseman. The Sabres have traded for Anaheim Geese defender Olen Zellweger, based on Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman.
“Olen Zellweger is being traded to Buffalo for Anton Wahlberg and the forty fifth pick,” Friedman reported.
Zellweger was drafted within the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Geese. He played 164 games in Anaheim over the past three seasons, setting profession highs in all stats in 2025-26. He played 76 games, scoring five goals and 22 points. Zellweger also got his first playoff experience, scoring two points in three games.
The Geese had an overload of left-handed defensemen, a lot in order that Pavel Mintyukov was not getting playing time and was nearly traded. This trade clears that up, as Wahlberg is a 20-year-old forward who should have the ability to play bottom-six minutes in Anaheim soon.
The Sabres, nevertheless, have created a logjam of left-handed defensmen. With Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power ahead of him, Zellweger won’t get much time on the powerplay. Without much physicality in his game, offense is how Zellweger will make a difference. He’ll find himself in an identical situation to Byram due to the depth on the blueline in Buffalo.
Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has not sat on his hands since taking up the role. He ushered them into the playoffs, but didn’t rest after breaking the everlasting playoff drought. What else could go down in Buffalo on Friday?
The Buffalo Sabres were an element of one among the more stunning trades of this NHL offseason. Now, just days after Bowen Byram went to the Chicago Blackhawks, they’ve added a defenseman. The Sabres have traded for Anaheim Geese defender Olen Zellweger, based on Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman.