Ducks Trade Olen Zellweger to Sabres in Draft-Day Move

(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

The Anaheim Ducks have traded promising young defenseman Olen Zellweger to the Buffalo Sabres in a draft-day deal that adds more picks and a prospect to Anaheim’s growing asset pool.

Buffalo acquired Zellweger in exchange for forward prospect Anton Wahlberg and a 2026 second-round pick (No. 45 overall), originally belonging to the New York Islanders.

Zellweger has developed into one of Anaheim’s most dynamic young defensemen since being selected 34th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. In 76 games this past season, he recorded 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) while showing growth as a puck-moving, transition-focused blueliner.

Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen addressed the acquisition, highlighting Zellweger’s mobility and offensive upside.

"He’s a young defenseman who can really skate, move the puck, and impact the game in transition,” Kekäläinen said. “We believe he fits well with our group and brings another layer of skill to our blue line.”

While Zellweger’s departure may come as a surprise given his age and upside, the Ducks have multiple young left-shot defensemen pushing for roles, which made him more expendable in the long-term organizational picture.

As both teams move forward, the success of the deal will ultimately depend on whether Zellweger can develop into a top-four presence in Buffalo or whether Anaheim’s return package pays off in the long run.