What happened: Buffalo completed the one-for-one minor-league forward swap on Monday to bring in the 22-year-old Funk, who tallied nine goals and 10 assists across 23 ECHL games for the South Carolina Stingrays last season. Funk also appeared in 10 contests with the AHL's Hershey Bears, logging two assists. Going to Washington is the 23-year-old Kopff, who recorded one goal and four assists over 30 games for the AHL's Rochester Americans during his first full professional campaign.

Why it matters: The swap provides Buffalo with a 6-foot, 210-pound winger who previously led the WHL with 67 goals in 68 games for the Prince George Cougars during the 2023-24 junior campaign. Both organizations are shuffling minor-league contracts ahead of the 2026-27 training camps after each player spent his first full professional season splitting time between the AHL and ECHL as an undrafted free agent. For the Sabres, adding Funk brings proven junior-level finishing ability into the farm system as the front office continues adjusting its forward depth following offseason moves like David Kämpf's departure for Europe.

What to watch: Funk will report to Buffalo's organization to compete for ice time with the Rochester Americans when training camp opens ahead of the 2026-27 season. Kopff will join Washington's pipeline with an opportunity to earn a role on the Hershey Bears' forward unit.