Sabres Trade for Defenseman Bayreuther, Send Forward Neuchev to Hurricanes

The Buffalo Sabres have made a significant move by trading for defenseman Gavin Bayreuther from the Carolina Hurricanes. This transaction involves sending prospect forward Viktor Neuchev to Carolina. The details were shared by TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston on January 24, 2026.

Trade Details

• Teams Involved: Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes
• Players Exchanged:
  • Gavin Bayreuther (Defenseman) – Acquired by Buffalo Sabres
  • Viktor Neuchev (Forward) – Sent to Carolina Hurricanes
• Date of Trade: January 24, 2026

Gavin Bayreuther’s Profile

• Age: 31
• Current Season Stats:
  • Goals: 4
  • Points: 13
  • Games Played: 33
  • AHL Team: Chicago Wolves
• Previous Season:
  • Team: Lausanne HC (Switzerland)
  • Goals: 5
  • Points: 23
  • Games Played: 52
• NHL Experience:
  • Last Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
  • Games Played: 51 (2022-23 season)
  • Total NHL Games: 122
  • Previous Teams: Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets
• Hometown: Concord, New Hampshire

Viktor Neuchev’s Profile

• Age: 22
• Draft Information:
  • Year: 2022
  • Round: 3
  • Overall Pick: 74th
  • Team: Buffalo Sabres
• Current Season Stats:
  • Goals: 6
  • Points: 16
  • Games Played: 34
  • AHL Team: Rochester Americans

This trade emphasizes the Sabres’ strategy to strengthen their defensive lineup while the Hurricanes add a promising forward in Neuchev. Both players bring unique talents to their new teams, making it a noteworthy transaction in the NHL landscape.