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Sabres Trade Wahlberg for Zellweger, 2026 Pick

6/27/2026

25 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Buffalo Sabres acquired Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks for forward Anton Wahlberg and the 45th-overall 2026 pick.
Zellweger, a 34th-overall pick, posted 22 points in 76 games and two playoff points before free agency on July 1.
Wahlberg recorded 37 points in 68 AHL games for Rochester.
The trade gives Anaheim its seventh 2026 pick and lets Buffalo, holding No. 4 and No. 20 selections, fill the vacancy after Bowen Byram left.

History

Historical Context

On June 23, 1995 the NHL expansion draft let the newly relocated Colorado Avalanche build their roster, echoing earlier drafts such as the June 18, 1992 draft that stocked the Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightning. The 1993 draft saw 42 players chosen, showing the league’s reliance on drafts, a practice repeated in the 2024 Buffalo Sabres-Anaheim Ducks trade that included a 2026 fifth-round pick.

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Story summary

Buffalo Sabres acquired Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks for forward Anton Wahlberg and the 45th-overall 2026 pick.
Zellweger, a 34th-overall pick, posted 22 points in 76 games and two playoff points before free agency on July 1.
Wahlberg recorded 37 points in 68 AHL games for Rochester.
The trade gives Anaheim its seventh 2026 pick and lets Buffalo, holding No. 4 and No. 20 selections, fill the vacancy after Bowen Byram left.

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