Buffalo Sabres Trade Away Defenseman Erik Johnson

The 2024 NHL trading deadline has been very busy. The busy period started a few days ago, which included the Buffalo Sabres trading away Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Bo Byram.

The Sabres wasted no time on Friday, trading captain Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers for AHL defenseman Calle Sjalin and a 7th round draft pick.

The move allows Okposo, who is likely playing his final NHL season, to chase a cup and play with the best team in the regular season this season.

Just before 2 pm, the Sabres struck another deal.

According to reports, Buffalo has traded defenseman Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 4th round draft pick.

Johnson was signed as an unrestricted free agent last summer. It didn't work out with the Sabres and the former 1st overall pick in 2006 will now have a potential playoff run with the Flyers.

We wait to see if Zemgus Girgensons, Victor Olofsson or Henri Jokijarhu are dealt before the 4 pm deadline. It makes sense to trade all of them, although getting much in return will likely not happen. It didn't happen with Okposo and Johnson.

Buffalo has players like Lukas Rousek, Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen, who could play the remainder of the season with the Sabres if those previously mentioned players are indeed traded.