The Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabers traded talented players on Wednesday.
The “Avs” got their hands on attacker Casey Mittelstadt and gave up defenseman Bowen Byram. Here's what Sportsnet hockey expert Elliotte Friedman learned.
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Mittelstadt was selected in the first round (eighth overall) by the Sabers in 2017 and has 47 points, including 14 goals, in 62 games this season. He is currently signing a three-year contract worth $2.5 million per year. He could become a restricted free agent this summer.
For his part, Byram was the fourth skater selected at the 2019 amateur auction. In 2023-2024, he will have the best season of his career. He has eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 55 games so far. The left-hander has a two-year contract in the first year and will earn $3.85 million per year.
This is the second trade the Avalanche have made on Wednesday, two days before the National League trade deadline. The Colorado club acquired Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Sean Walker in exchange for a first-round draft pick and forward Ryan Johansen.