Sabres likely to lose 2019 Draft pick after not agreeing to contract

The Buffalo Sabres are likely going to lose their 2019 third round pick Erik Portillo, after failing to come to a contract agreement.

According to insider Jeff Marek, Portillo is looking into exploring free agency after his time at the University of Michigan is up. The Sabres are already sitting pretty in net with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi showing signs of being stars in the NHL, so a trade for his rights could also be in the works.

Portillo's numbers have dropped a bit from last year after sporting a 31-10-1 record, 2.14 GAA, and .926 SV% to an 11-6-0 record, 2.78 GAA, and .909 SV%. He has still been solid, and it should be no surprise to see teams calling on the Sweden native.

Marek on 32TP says it sounds like Sabres will not be able to sign 2019 3rd RDer G-Erik Portillo, he currently plays for the Michigan Wolverines, looks like he will explore free agency. Sabres got UPL, Levi and signed Comrie to a 2-year deal. They didn't rule out a trade either.— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 10, 2023

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