Recently hired Buffalo GM Tim Murray took the first big step in reshaping the Sabres for the future, trading longtime number one goaltender Ryan Miller and captain Steve Ott to the St. Louis Blues for Jaroslav Halak, forward Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a first-round pick in 2015 and a third-round pick in 2016.
The move shores up St. Louis’ goaltending as the club looks to make a deep playoff run after being knocked out in the opening round last year by the Los Angeles Kings. The Blues, who currently sport the second-best record in the Western Conference, hope that Miller is the missing piece of the puzzle that will bring the franchise their first Stanley Cup.
This will be Miller’s second NHL team. He was drafted by Buffalo in 1999 and made his debut with the club during the 2002-03 season. The two-time U.S. Olympian won the Vezina Trophy in 2010.
Ott has been with Sabres since July, 2012 when he came to Buffalo via trade with his former club, the Dallas Stars. The veteran will be a useful piece for the Blues in the postseason.
Halak is a pending UFA, so I would imagine he will simply play out the season with the Sabres before finding a new home in the offseason.
Chris Stewart was in his fourth season with Blues. He scored 15 or more goals every year he suited up for St. Louis. His career-high was 28 with Colorado back in 2009-10. Stewart has one more season remaining on his contract and could be a good fit for the rebuilding Sabres.
William Carrier was picked by the Blues in the second round of the 2013 Entry Draft.