By Brandon J. Koch
While 70+ wind gusts twirl outside and power outages pile up, Jason Botterill made his first real swing as Sabres GM, and I love it.
Buffalo acquired defenseman Brandon Montour from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Brendan Guhle and a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
This is the first major swing for Botterill since being hired.
It was a needed swing.
The Skinner trade was a no brainer. This involves a first round pick, which to the general manager, is important capital.
Botterill is all about building through the draft and developing players in the AHL, that’s what he believes is the best path for a chance at success in the pros.
Montour fits the mold to what Botterill wants in a defenseman. Speed, puck carrying, smart offensive minded player. His defense is suspect but we can’t judge it fairly considering how terrible Anaheim has been this season.
Instead of sitting on his hands, the GM made an actual hockey trade for a franchise that desperately needs it.
He has until 3pm on Monday, will he keep on swinging?
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