On a day that had all the makings of chaos ahead of the release of the protect players list for the Expansion Draft and the trade and waiver freeze at 3 p.m., the Sabres made a bit a noise trading for a defenseman.
Buffalo sent a third round pick (68th overall) to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Nathan Beaulieu.
Selected 17th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, the 24-year old blueliner played 74 games a season ago, a career high, while collecting a career best 28 points.
He had combined for 28 points the previous two years from 2014-2016.
Beaulieu is viewed by analysts as an upgrade to the Sabres D-corps with his size along with his ability to skate and move the puck.
Nathan Beaulieu's skating ability should fit in well with how Phil Housley will want the Sabres to play. Good spot for him.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 17, 2017
Years after being in Buffalo for a pre-draft visit (2011), LHD Beaulieu brings size/mobility to the Sabres D. Solid opportunity for him.
— Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) June 17, 2017
