The Buffalo Sabres acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger, a restricted free agent, in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on Friday in exchange for prospect Anton Wahlberg and the No. 45 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Zellweger arrives to Buffalo three days after the club traded fellow blueliner Bowen Byram and winger Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks for the No. 4 pick, the No. 45 selection used in this trade and defender Louis Crevier.
It's possible Zellweger immediately replaces Byram on the second pair alongside Owen Power.
The 22-year-old Canadian posted 22 points (seven goals and 15 assists) in 76 appearances for the Ducks this season. Anaheim selected him in the second round of the 2021 draft.
Olen Zellweger, acquired by BUF, is a smooth-skating offensive defenceman who jumps up in the play and carries the puck in transition. Has always had defensive issues (some stemming from his 5'10 size) but has unlocked new areas of his game with the puck in the past year. pic.twitter.com/DqvasyHIoG
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 26, 2026
Wahlberg was a Round 2 choice by Buffalo in the 2023 draft. The defensively minded center spent the past two-plus seasons with the AHL's Rochester Americans, scoring 72 points (21 goals and 51 assists) across 140 games. His offensive production didn't take a significant step forward this season.
The Ducks, who currently don't own a first-round choice in this year's draft, are now scheduled to pick twice in the second round (Nos. 45 and 50).
What will it cost the Buffalo Sabres to re-sign Olen Zellweger?
The Sabres didn't immediately announce a contract extension with Zellweger as part of the trade with Anaheim.
AFP Analytics predicted two possible outcomes for the 5-foot-10 defender's next deal. It pegs a bridge extension at two years, $6.5 million ($3.2 million AAV) or a long-term contract at seven years, $45.6 million ($6.5 million AAV).
Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has been aggressive with locking up young players for the long haul, so it wouldn't be a surprise for the front office to push for something close to the second projection.
Zellweger showcased a lot of play-driving promise during his time with the Ducks, but the question is whether his defensive game can level up to make him a true two-way force.
Acting on an extension before that happens, which it very well could if Buffalo opts for a bridge agreement, could pay off in a major way for the Sabres down the line.
Getting that deal done is another task added to Kekalainen's busy to-do list this summer.
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