Ilya Lyubushkin On The Move Out West

 He had been rumoured to be on the block for a few weeks, and now it's official: The Buffalo Sabres have dealt Ilya Lyubushkin to the Anaheim Ducks. 

Trade: #NHLDucks acquire D Ilya Lyubushkin.

To Anaheim: Ilya Lyubushkin

To #Sabres: 2025 4th Rd Pick (MIN)

Anaheim had previously acquired that pick at the 2023 trade deadline for John Klingberg.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) August 19, 2023

In return, the Sabres get Minnesota's fourth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. Anaheim originally acquired the pick in a trade back in March. 

Lyubushkin adds a tough, physical defensive presence to the Ducks backine; he's heading into his 6th NHL season.

"We are excited to add Ilya to our blueline as we targeted another defenseman for the right side this offseason," Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek said. "He is a big, physical, hard-nosed player that can kill penalties and will make us harder to play against."

He has one season left on his contact with a cap hit of $2.75M, after which he'll be an unrestricted free agent next summer. 

Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports