Pre-deadline deals come in as Panthers acquire defenseman Brandon Montour and Avalanche nab goalie Devyn Dubnyk
The Florida Panthers have filled in the void left by injured defenseman Aaaron Ekblad today. In exchange for Brandon Montour the Panthers send the Sabres a 2021 third-round pick.
Panthers acquire Brandon Montour
Per the team’s website:
Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Brandon Montour from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2021 third-round draft pick.
“Brandon is a capable and talented right-shot defenseman who will have an immediate impact on our club,” said Zito. “His two-way acumen and ability to play important minutes make him an exciting addition to the Panthers.”
Montour is 26 years-old and has 14 points in 38 games this season. He will be a UFA at the end of the season coming off a deal worth $3.85 million. I would look to the Panthers looking to extend him as soon as possible. I also would not discount Florida making another move as they still have over $2 million in cap space left. They are rumored to be a player in the Taylor Hall sweepstakes.
Avalanche get their goalie insurance with acquisition of Devyn Dubnyk

As we noted earlier today, the Avalanche have more moves to make and they just executed a deal for a goalie. In exchange for defenseman Greg Pateryn and a fifth round pick in the 2021 draft the Avalanche get Devan Dubnyk from the Sharks.
Per the team’s website:
The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has acquired goaltender Devan Dubnyk from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Greg Pateryn and a fifth-round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. Dubnyk, 34, has a 3-9-2 record, 3.18 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage with the Sharks this season.
Phillip Grubauer is the clear #1 goalie but getting a veteran backup was a smart move by GM Joe Sakic. The Avs are a favorite to win the Stanley Cup this season.