Buffalo Sabres Make Four Trade Deadline Deals

Winger Chris Stewart was dealt to the Minnesota Wild just prior to the NHL trade deadline [Getty Images][/caption]As expected, the Buffalo Sabres made a number of deals before Monday's 3pm trade deadline and nearly all of the players expected to be moved, were.  General manager Tim Murray essentially gutted the team and no matter what they may say officially, the Sabres are determined to finish last in the league standings for the best chance at the number one overall draft pick.

The dealing began Monday morning with winger Brian Flynn being dealt to the Montreal Canadiens for a fourth round draft pick.

Goaltender Michael Neuvirth then was sent to the New York Islanders in exchange for goaltender Chad Johnson and a third round pick next year.

The Sabres made another trade with the Canadiens sending winger Torrey Mitchell to Montreal for a prospect and a draft pick.

Then finally Chris Stewart was dealt to the Minnesota Wild for a second round draft pick in 2017.  Plus the Sabres will pay half of his salary for the rest of the season.  That sounds like a desperation move by the Sabres by settling for the deal they got when other teams were rumored to be offering at least a second round and a player.

It all likely means we'll see another month of "suffering" like we've never seen.  The final 19 games could get ugly before the season comes to a merciful end.  But the prize at the end of the season is giving the Sabres the best chance to win the draft lottery and acquiring Connor McDavid who hockey experts say is the NHL's next superstar.  It all better be worth the pain that Sabres fans have had to endure the last few seasons.  We'll see.