BUFFALO — Buffalo Sabres general manager Tim Murray’s expected draft day splash came on Day 2 when he filled a need by acquiring veteran defenseman Dmitry Kulikov in a deal for defenseman Mark Pysyk and two draft picks.
The rebuilding Sabres, looking to bolster their defense with a left-shot player, gave up the No. 38 and the No. 89 picks to the Panthers for Kulikov and the No. 33 pick.
Veteran defensemen have been the hottest properties in the trade market. Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis Blues) and Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks) have been the subject of rumors all week, although neither player has been moved.
Kulikov, 25, became a trade candidate when the Panthers signed pending free agent defenseman Keith Yandle to a seven-year deal worth an average of $6.35 million per season. Kulikov has one more season left on a contract paying him $4.5 million per season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning traded prospect Anthony DeAngelo to the Arizona Coyotes for the No. 37 pick.
