Buffalo Sabres Trade News: How Well The Sabres Did

Nov 29, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Buffalo Sabres right wing Brian Flynn (65) scores the winning goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Dustin Tokarski (35) during a shootout at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Flynn to the Montreal Canadiens for a Fifth Round Pick in 2016

Overall Grade = C

Manning the top line while Tyler Ennis and Zemgus Girgensons are out with injuries was none other than Brian Flynn. He had been signed by the Buffalo Sabres as an undrafted free agent and had spent the last three years here in Buffalo. Known more for his solid two way style of play and his deceptive speed, the Buffalo Sabres did a lateral, if not backwards move by trading him.

They acquired a fifth round pick in next year’s draft from Montreal in return for Flynn. Brian had proven that he was more than capable of keeping the Buffalo Sabres third line (and sometimes fourth line) in sync. He had a solid mix of defensive and offensive skills and had made himself a presence on a team that needed some push.

When he joined the team three years ago when he got signed, I found myself saying, “Who is Brian Flynn?”. There weren’t many people who knew about this guy (as far as the fan base goes) and it was unclear what he could bring to the table. He showed in his time with the Buffalo Sabres that he had determination and enough skill to be a consistent third line player on an NHL team, and that he was exactly what they needed to hold the line with defensively.

That being said, the Montreal Canadiens won this trade with the Buffalo Sabres because there is no guarantee that the fifth round pick next year will be what they need depth wise.