The deadline deals are underway for the Buffalo Sabres.
The hockey club traded defenseman Mike Weber to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in exchange for a 2017 third-round draft pick.
The move comes six days before the NHL trade deadline (Monday, February 29).
Below is a statement from Sabres General Manager Tim Murray:
“It’s difficult to trade someone that has been a part of the organization for 10 years, but I think this is a good opportunity for the player and for our organization. I would like to thank Mike for his time with the Sabres and wish him the best in Washington.”
Weber is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Sportsnet reports the Sabres retain half of his $1.67 million cap hit as part of the deal.
Weber was drafted by the Sabres in the second round of the 2006 draft (57th overall). The stay-at-home blueliner played 341 games in a Buffalo sweater. He scored nine goals, 44 assists, while accumulating 409 penalty minutes from 2007-2016. He has one goal and four assists in 35 games this season.
The Sabres are en route to missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
I’ve always been a Mike Weber fan. He’s a five or six depth defenseman that was asked to play out of his role for a rebuilding Sabres team over the past couple seasons. In the right circumstances he can be a very reliable part of a successful team.
He is a physical player with tremendous heart who loved playing in Buffalo.
I think he’ll fit in very well with the Capitals, the NHL’s best team and favorite to win the Stanley Cup. This is a depth move for the Caps, who are looking for their first Cup in franchise history.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter: @StepnerWKBW
