The Buffalo Sabres have made a big splash on deadline day by dealing their captain Jason Pominville and a fourth round pick in 2014 to the Minnesota Wild.
In return, the Sabres have reportedly received Minnesota prospects Johan Larsson and Matt Hackett, as well as Minnesota’s first round pick in 2013 and second round pick in 2014. Hackett is the top goaltending prospect in the Wild’s system, and Larsson is a hard-working, big center with good offensive potential.
Min/Buf trade: Sabres send Jason Pominville and a 4th in ’14 to the Wild for Johan Larsson, Matt Hackett a 1st in ’13 and a 2nd in ’14.
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) April 3, 2013
Here’s what our Wild friends friends over at Hockey Wilderness had to say about the two prospects:
Johan Larsson has been billed as “Mikko Koivu 2.0.” He isn’t flashy, he isn’t ever going to lead the league in points, but he could be a Selke type player. A strong two-way game, a big body, and a bright hockey mind, Larsson was a favorite among Wild fans. This will be the piece fans here will be most upset about, as Larsson was being played up as the #2 center of the future. He is unproven, and raw, but given the time to develop, the fans in Buffalo are going to love his game.Hackett is a potential #1 goalie in the NHL. He has played well in his stints with the Wild, but with Darcy Kuemper and Johan Gustavsson also in the ranks, the Wild had room to move one. Hackett is likely the closest to NHL ready of the three, though Kuemper is going to get some snaps now with Josh Harding still on IR.This one is interesting, because fans here never cared much for him. He does has a bit of an ego to him, though not overly so, and he comes off as not the brightest bulb on the tree with some of the answers he gives. All that said, Hackett could be a big piece of this trade, as he is a very solid goalie, and one that could be a starter in the NHl for a long time.Over all, Larsson should be the one you are most excited about, but he is also the one who needs the most time. The upside is huge with Larsson.
And here’s the reaction from some members of the hockey prospect Twitterati: Johan Larsson: hard working C, excellent all-around skills, thick frame, really nice offensive upside.62GP 14-23-37 in AHL this year.
— Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) April 3, 2013
Buffalo got a great prospect in Hackett. NHL-ready (backup) with good athleticism, decent frame, some flair to his game, great instincts.
— The Goalie Guild (@TheGoalieGuild) April 3, 2013