Trade Details
The Anaheim Ducks announced today that they have acquired center Anton Wahlberg and a second‑round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft from the Buffalo Sabres. In return, the Sabres receive defenseman Olen Zellweger, who was selected by Buffalo in the second round of the 2023 draft.
Wahlberg, a 20‑year‑old forward, spent the 2025‑26 campaign with the Rochester Americans, where he posted 37 points in 68 games. Across his AHL career he has accumulated 71 points in 140 appearances, showing steady offensive growth.
The move adds depth to Anaheim’s forward lines and gives the club a promising young talent who can contribute both at even strength and on the power play.
AHL Performance
Rochester’s coaching staff praised Wahlberg’s vision and work ethic, noting that his 37 points this season placed him among the top contributors on the team. His ability to generate chances in the offensive zone and his defensive reliability have made him a regular fixture in the lineup.
The Sabres, meanwhile, gain a defenseman in Zellweger, a player they drafted two years ago and who has been developing in the AHL. The exchange reflects a mutual effort to address each club’s roster needs ahead of the upcoming season.
Strategic Implications
Anaheim’s management believes that adding a player with Wahlberg’s skill set aligns with their long‑term plan to blend youthful energy with veteran leadership. The team hopes the trade will bolster its offensive depth and provide more flexibility in matchups.
The Sabres, for their part, receive a defensive prospect who can develop into a reliable blue‑liner, while also securing a draft pick that could aid in future rebuilding efforts.