The Buffalo Sabres used the second day of the NHL draft at the First Niagara Center Saturday to engineer a trade. The Sabres traded Defenseman Mark Pysyk and the 38th and 89th selections in the draft to Florida for Panthers Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov and the draft's 33rd pick.
Sabres General Manager Tim Murray said he had his eye on Kulikov, especially during Florida's recent appearance in the playoffs.
"When they needed a goal during the playoffs, he was on the ice. Late in the game when they needed to protect a lead, he was on the ice," Murray said. "We certainly liked what we saw. He's a competitive guy. He's a good fit for us."
The Sabres acquired nine players in day two of the draft. Their number one choice Friday night was left winger Alexander Nylander.
Sabres fans will now be focusing on the July 1st start of free agency. It's expected Buffalo will make a play for the top free agent -- Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos.