Buffalo continues to deal at the deadline

As seen on AlongtheBoards.com

Tim Murray made it very clear after trading Drew Stafford, Tyler Myers and Jhonas Enroth almost three weeks ago, that more players would have a similar fate. On Monday, Murray continued the trend by trading away unrestricted free agents Chris Stewart, Torrey Mitchell and Michal Neuvirth, as well as third-year pro Brian Flynn.

Everyone knew Stewart and Mitchell were likely to be moved by Monday’s 3pm trade deadline and also knew there could be a possibility of Neuvirth being traded, but what was the real surprise to most was seeing Brian Flynn leaving town.

With Murray’s first move of the day, he sent the versatile forward in Flynn to Montreal for a 2016 fifth-round draft pick. The move came to the surprise to most fans as Flynn had not been mentioned in trade rumors and had seemed to have found a nice niche in Buffalo. 

The 26 year old Lynnfield, Massachusetts native tallied five goals and 17 assists this year in 54 games. Flynn was an undrafted free agent signee in March of 2012. The University of Maine product can play a strong two-way game and possesses a great deal of hockey IQ. In 159 total National Hockey League games, Flynn finishes his time in Buffalo with 17 goals and 41 points.

In Buffalo’s second deal of the day, Murray sent starting goaltender Michal Neuvirth to the New York Islanders for Isles backup goalie Chad Johnson and a third-round draft pick in 2016. With Neuvirth’s improved play of late, it’s no surprise to see Murray capitalizing on his rising stock. The Sabres pick up a decent draft pick, but also receive another big goaltender to their growing stockpile. Johnson is a 28 year old, 6’3, 205 pound goaltender who is signed through the end of next season. His numbers with New York were less than average with a goals against average of 3.08 and a save percentage of .889, and they are likely to get worse in the remainder of the year in Buffalo.

As for Neuvirth, he will be Jaroslav Halak’s backup on the island as New York looks to make a long playoff run. What is ironic about this goaltending tandem is that at last year’s deadline, Halak was traded from Buffalo to Washington for Neuvirth. Now they will be sharing the same locker room.

The third deal, and second forward traded by Buffalo today was Torrey Mitchell being dealt to his hometown team, the Montreal Canadiens. In a separate deal with the bleu, blanc et rouge, Mitchell was swapped for Montreal prospect Jack Nevins and a 2016 seventh-round draft pick. This deal is certainly a little bit of a head scratcher. Yes, I know Murray is looking to get top value for his pending UFA’s but a seventh-round pick and an undrafted prospect that has one assist in 35 professional games?

Mitchell, who only has 13 points in 51 games so far this year obviously wasn’t going to fetch Buffalo a first or second round pick, but it looks like Murray just gave him away. Nevins is 21 years old and is playing in his first full season in professional hockey. Standing in at 6’2 and weighing 205, Nevins enjoys throwing the fists and will help toughen up the Rochester Americans.

The last trade for Buffalo was Chris Stewart being sent to the Minnesota Wild for a 2017 second-round draft pick. One of the most sought after forwards at this deadline was traded in the waning moments before 3pm. Arguably Buffalo’s biggest haul for the 27 year old power forward. In 61 games this season, Stewart has come on strong as of late scoring 11 goals and 25 points. Stewart joins former Sabres’ Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek and Jordan Leopold with the Wild. Stewart will add great third-line depth to a Minnesota team looking to make a long playoff run as well. 

All in all, Tim Murray was able to pull of exactly what he wanted to do. He was able to trade half of Buffalo’s UFA’s for draft picks and lesser players to help Buffalo cruise at their horrid pace to the end of the year. Look for Anders Lindback, Johnson and Rochester Americans’ goaltender Matt Hackett to get the duty in the crease. Another goalie to keep an on eye on is Boston University goalie Matt O’Connor, who Murray has been rumored to being interested in signing after the NCAA season is complete. O’Connor is a 23 year old goalie who is in his junior year. It is rumored that O’Connor is seeking a contract with a team that will promise him playing time in the NHL this season.