The Florida Panthers have acquired Buffalo Sabers defender Brandon Montour for a third-round pick in 2021, the teams announced Saturday.
Montour, 26, is an offensive right-back who could help fill a gap with Aaron Ekblad for 12 weeks after breaking a leg. The 25-year-old Ekblad had a Norris Trophy caliber season for the Panthers during injury at the end of March, with 11 goals and 11 assists in 35 games.
“Brandon is a capable and talented defender who has shot right that will have an immediate impact on our club,” said Panthers GM Bill Zito. “His two-way prowess and ability to play important minutes makes him an exciting addition to the Panthers.”
The Panthers tied 26-11-4 with defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning in points. Florida ranks third in the central division behind the Carolina Hurricanes (who have 57 points and two games in hand) and Tampa Bay (56 points, one game in hand).
Montour is in the final year of a contract that pays him $ 3.85 million annually. He was acquired by the Sabers by the 2019 deadline from the Anaheim Ducks. Montour has five goals and nine assists in 38 games for Buffalo this season. His most productive NHL season was in 2017-’18, with 32 points in 80 games for Anaheim.
Montour is the third Saber to be traded before Monday’s NHL deadline. Goalkeeper Jonas Johansson was sent to Colorado, while center Eric Staal was traded to Montreal. Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams may not be finished yet. Wing Taylor Hall, who signed a $ 8 million deal with the Sabers last season last season, is also expected to be moved.
The Sabers now hold nine draws in 2021, including two in the third round.
The Sabers were one of the league’s biggest disappointments this season. After enduring an unbeaten streak of 18 games, the longest of the salary period, and sacking coach Ralph Krueger in March, Buffalo are ready to miss the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season. This is the NHL’s longest drought after the season.