The move is much more complicated from Buffalo’s side. The good: Lehner, 23, is a big, young goaltender oozing talent. He has two years left on a deal paying him a $2.225 million annually, which is perfectly reasonable if Buffalo intends to roll with him as a starter – and it better if it deemed him worth a first-rounder. Lehner was a highly regarded prospect out of Sweden and delivered on his potential in his first few tastes of the NHL. He’s regressed two straight seasons, however, and dealt with concussion woes in 2014-15.
Still, the act of acquiring Lehner makes plenty of sense for Buffalo. Young goalie, high ceiling, good cap hit, and the Sabres needed a goalie. Even the Legwand component is understandable since the Sabres are a salary floor team and he helps them climb closer to it (which is why Ottawa retains no salary in the trade). They are still more than $5 million away from reaching it. And if they struggle again this season, Legwand’s expiring deal and veteran experience makes him flippable to a contender.
But the first-round pick… yikes. Considering how badly the Sens needed to move Lehner, and how much removing Legwand helps their finances, shouldn’t Buffalo have had a bit more leverage here?
The move also should have Glen Sather and the Rangers licking their chops. Lehner just fetched a first-rounder plus cap relief. Maybe Sather’s demands for RFA goalie Cam Talbot are realistic after all?