The Florida Panthers acquired Buffalo Sabers defender Brandon Montour for the 2021 round pick, the teams announced Saturday.
Montour, 26, is an offensive right-back who could help fill a gap with Aaron Ekblad for 12 weeks after being operated on for a broken leg. Ekblad, 25, had a season in the injury season in late March with a Norris trophy for the Panthers at the time of his injury, with 11 goals and 11 assists in 35 games.
“Brandon is a capable and talented right-back who will have an immediate impact on our club,” said Panthers general manager Bill Zito. “His two-pronged insight and ability to play important minutes make him an exciting addition to the Panthers.”
The Panthers are 26-11-4, tied with Stanley Cup champion Lightning, on points. Florida ranks third in the Central Division behind the Carolina Hurricanes (who have 57 points and two games in hand) and Tampa Bay (56 points, one game in hand).
Montour is the last year of a contract that pays him $ 3.85 million a year. It was acquired by the Sabers in the 2019 commercial term at the Anaheim Ducks. Montour has five goals and nine assists in 38 games this season with Buffalo. His most productive NHL season was 2017-18, with 32 points in 80 games for Anaheim.
Montour is the third Saber to be traded before Monday’s NHL deadline. Goalkeeper Jonas Johansson was sent to Colorado, while center Eric Staal was transferred to Montreal. GM Buffalo Kevyn Adams may not be done yet Winger Taylor Hall, who signed a $ 8 million one-year deal with the Sabers last season, is expected to move as well.
The Sabers now have nine draft picks in 2021, including two in the third round.
The Sabers have been one of the biggest disappointments in the league this season. After enduring a streak of 18 games without a win, the longest of the wage cap era, and sacking coach Ralph Krueger in March, Buffalo is on the verge of missing the playoffs for the tenth consecutive season. It’s the longest NHL drought of the season.