TRADE - Kings acquire goaltending prospect who didn't want to sign with Sabres

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Buffalo Sabres have traded the rights to goaltender Erik Portillo to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Portillo, 22, was drafted by the Sabres in 2019, but since the Fall of 2022, Buffalo recognized that they may not be able to sign him. In January, it was reported that Portillo and his camp didn't want to sign with the Sabres and he was going to test unrestricted free agency in the summer.

The Goteborg (Sweden) native is currently in his third year with the University of Michigan. In 31 games this season, Portillo has a record of 19-10-2 with a 3.01 GAA and a .908 save percentage.

If the Kings are unable to sign Portillo by August 15th, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

LA acquires G Erik Portillo from BUF for a 2023 third. Portillo is an unsigned pick from Michigan eligible for free agency this summer— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 1, 2023

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