On Tuesday the Buffalo Sabres and general manager Tim Murray made their first trade before Wednesday's deadline, acquiring Mat Bodie from the New York Rangers in exchange for Dan Catenacci.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have acquired forward Daniel Catenacci from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Mat Bodie.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 28, 2017
Bodie, 26, has spent the majority of this year with the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack, notching 30 points [8G, 22A) in 45 games. In 196 AHL games played Bodie has 98 points and 127 penalty minutes. With 30 points Bodie is 12th amongst AHL defenseman in points this season.
Catenacci, 23, has played 50 games with the Rochester Americans this season, registering 13 points [5G, 8A]. In 11 career games with the Buffalo Sabres Catenacci was held without a point.
Bove's thoughts:
This trade is strictly for depth in Rochester. All season the Amerks have needed help on the blue line because players like Taylor Fedun and Justin Falk have spent so much time with the Sabres. At forward the Amerks have a little more wiggle room, so this move makes a lot of sense.
The trade also gives the Sabres yet another option if they decide to deal any of their defenseman at the deadline. If that happens, Falk and Fedun will likely be the first called up, but if an injury occurs, the Sabres may need to callup a player like Bodie.
I was very confused when I saw the #Sabres traded for someone named Mat Bodie. At first glance, it looked like Matt Bove.
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) February 28, 2017
