Monster Casey Mittelstadt trade in Buffalo, moving him to top contender in one-for-one deal!

According to insider Kevin Weekes, the Buffalo Sabres have made the shocking decision to move top forward Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche. 

The Western club is sending back defenseman Bowen Byran in the transaction. This is a one for one trade. 

The transaction was confirmed by Colorado, moments later. 

This is a busy day for the Avalanche, who earlier in the day, acquired defenseman Sean Walker from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Last month, Elliotte Friedman had reported that contract negotiations might be a huge problem between the Sabres and Mittelstadt, who is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this upcoming July. Mittelstadt was reportedly looking for a fair raise from his current $2,5 M cap. The lack of agreement had led to trade rumours, which materialized on Wednesday.

The talented 25-year-old forward has 14 goals and 33 assists in 62 games this season, his seventh in the NHL.

Insider Chris Johnston reports that the Sabres intend to keep Byram on their roster. The defenseman has taken part in 55 games this season, scoring eight goals and adding 12 assists over 19:51 of ice time a night.

"They see him as an important piece on a blue line that already includes Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson."

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