The Buffalo Sabres have traded for a goaltender, filling their biggest need. The team on Friday morning acquired Robin Lehner from the Ottawa Senators, along with forward David Legwand, in exchange for a first-round pick, the 21st overall selection in Friday night's draft. That pick was earned as a component of the Thomas Vanek trade with the New York Islanders.
Lehner, 23, went 9-12-3 with a 3.02 goals-against average and .905 save percentage last season before suffering a concussion. He has played in parts of five NHL seasons with the Senators after they selected him in the second round of the 2009 NHL Draft and will likely step into the starting goaltender role for the Sabres next season.
General Manager Tim Murray told reporters in Florida Friday, hours before the NHL Draft, he thinks Lehner has the skills to be a starting goaltender on a contending time.
"Robin was our target. He was the number one goalie available from our estimation," Murray said.
"I think he's a very talented, big, strong young man who is just scratching the surface. Hopefully we can bring the best out of him."
The 6'5", 225 lb. native of Sweden has appeared in 86 regular-season games with the Senators, registering a 30-36-13 record with two shutouts, a .914 save percentage and a 2.88 goals-against average.
Legwand is a 17-year NHL veteran and second overall pick in the 1998 NHL Draft. He recorded 27 points (9 goals, 18 assists) in 80 games last season. In 1,057 career regular-season games, the forward has amassed 604 points (223 goals, 381 assists).
