By Budd Bailey, Buffalo Sports Page Columnist
No. 89: February 15, 1996 – The Sabres trade Craig Muni and a first-round draft choice in 1996 (Daniel Briere) to Winnipeg for Darryl Shannon and Michal Grosek.
The Sabres weren’t going anywhere by the end of the 1995-96 season except the golf course. It was an opportunity to make some trades for the future. But in the meantime, Buffalo general manager John Muckler spotted an opportunity to get some more talent on his roster. He dealt veteran Craig Muni and a draft pick to Winnipeg for a pair of players.
Darryl Shannon had been around the NHL since the age of 20, but had trouble cracking the starting lineup. He did that in Buffalo, having three-plus productive seasons here. Michal Grosek was stuck in the minors with the Jets at the time of the deal. He scored a few big goals, including a series-winner against the Flyers, and had his best years with the Sabres (20 goals in 1998-99).
By the way, Dave Hannan, Charlie Huddy and Yuri Khmylev were sent elsewhere before the trading deadline. In hindsight, Muckler’s housecleaning help set the table for the Sabres’ surprising division title in 1997.
A recap of 100-90 from Budd & Paul Peck on Sylvester & Peck On Sports Podcast:
(Follow Budd on Twitter @WDX2BB)
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