The Buffalo Sabres made a significant move on draft day Friday, trading for defenseman Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks.
To complete the deal, the Ducks will receive a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the 45th overall pick in that same draft, and 20-year-old forward prospect Anton Wahlberg.
Zellweger, who is 22 years old, is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1. While the Sabres confirmed the trade, no details about a potential contract extension were released.
The young defenseman wrapped up his third professional season this year, appearing in 76 regular-season games for Anaheim and putting up 22 points — seven goals and 15 assists. He also saw action in three playoff games, contributing one goal and one assist for two points.
Over his career with the Ducks, Zellweger has totaled 51 points — 16 goals and 35 assists — across 164 regular-season games. Anaheim originally selected him with the 34th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Wahlberg, meanwhile, was chosen by Buffalo with the 39th pick in the 2023 draft. During the 2024-25 season, he skated for Rochester in the American Hockey League, recording 37 points on nine goals and 28 assists.
The 2026 NHL Draft kicked off Friday evening and is scheduled to continue Saturday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
