[Buffalo, NY] - The buffalo Sabres traded young backup goaltender Mika Noronen on Friday night to the Edmonton Oilers along with their 5th round pick in this 2004 draft. The Sabres recieved Edmonton's 1st round draft pick in 2004 (#14) as well as a third rounder in 2005.
"This deal took a few days to consumate, however all the hard work paid off and we recieved a great pick in this years draft as well as a good pick next year. Now we hold the #13 and #14 picks in the upcoming draft and we will be able to add two player that will help us down the road. Mika is a great goaltender, and will thrive in Edmonton, however because of Marty Biron's play as well as the play of Ryan Miller down in Rochester, we were able to swing Noronen for an asset that will improve our chances of bringing a OTHL Championship to Buffalo in the near future." said GM Fisher when asked about the deal. It is not known who the Sabres will pick with their two picks, but so far, to not lose a starter and add a first rounder, it seems like a step in the right direction.