Buffalo Sabres Trade News: How Well The Sabres Did

Jan 9, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Chris Stewart (80) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Stewart To the Minnesota Wild for a Second Round Pick in 2017

Overall Grade = B+

There was no secret that Chris Stewart was on his way out of Buffalo. His name was swirling around in trade rumors for nearly the entire season, and his last couple of games were a solid showcase of his talents. He had been playing on the top line and proved that he still had plenty of ability in him despite an otherwise lackluster season.

Stewart was a provider of some solid grit and scoring skill down the right wing and possesses the ability to win games. The catch on his game for a while now has been his consistency. The Buffalo Sabres and Tim Murray both know that he is the kind of player that contending teams want, so they moved him for the Minnesota Wild’s second round pick in the 2017 NHL draft.

The question may be why the draft pick is for two years away, but it makes good sense when you take a solid look at it.

Tim Murray looks at his team and knows that they will start to be competitive within the next 3 years or so. Grabbing a second round pick that can potentially turn into a solid player for the years that you will need some depth in order to compete is the perfect move. The Sabres already have plenty of draft picks for this year’s draft and next year’s as well so the addition of a further high round pick was a great alternative to possibly getting another third round pick for this year’s draft.