Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – After being reported by multiple outlets late Friday night after Round 1 of the 2021 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres have officially traded forward Sam Reinhart to the Florida Panthers. In return, Buffalo will receive goaltending prospect Devon Levi and a conditional first round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
According to TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun, the 2022 first round pick from the Panthers is lottery protected. If the pick ends up being a top-10 selection next year, the Sabres will then receive Florida's first round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
When asked about the potential trade following the first round on Friday night, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams wouldn’t confirm or deny the report.
"Right now, it would be inappropriate to make any comment on rumors, but when and if there’s something to announce, we’ll let you know,” Adams said.
The Panthers drafted Levi in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He was at Northeastern last season, but didn’t play.
At last season’s World Junior Championship, Levi was stellar for Team Canada, helping them to the silver medal. In seven games played, Levi only gave up four goals. His goals-against average was 0.75 with a save percentage of .964.
By acquiring Reinhart, Florida will have three of the top-four picks of the 2014 NHL Draft in Aaron Ekblad, Reinhart and Sam Bennett.
Recently, the Panthers have drafted 24th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 10th and 23rd.
