Buffalo Sabres land Zac Funk in trade with Capitals

Buffalo Sabres swing for scoring depth with Zac Funk

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired forward Zac Funk from the Washington Capitals in exchange for forward Tyler Kopff, the team announced Monday.

What happened in the Zac Funk trade?

Funk, 22, scored 19 points (9+10) in 23 games last season with the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays. He also had two assists in 10 contests with Washington’s AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. The 6-foot-0, 210-pound winger has split his two pro campaigns between the ECHL and AHL after signing with Washington as an undrafted free agent at the end of the 2023-24 season. He led the WHL with 67 goals that year in 68 games for the Prince George Cougars.

Kopff, 23, also split last season between the ECHL and AHL after signing with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent. He had five points (1+4) in 30 games with Rochester.

Why it matters for Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo sits second in the Eastern Conference with a 50-23 record and on a five-game winning streak. Adding Funk gives the Sabres another right-shot winger who can push for NHL minutes. The move fills a gap in the prospect pipeline while keeping the big-league roster competitive.

Funk’s WHL goal total shows a nose for the net. Even if his pro numbers are modest, he brings size and shot to a lineup that needs depth behind stars like Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens.

What comes next for Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres will decide Funk’s NHL role after camp. He’ll likely start in Rochester, but injuries or a hot streak could force his way into Buffalo’s lineup. Kopff heads to Washington’s system, where he’ll chase AHL minutes.

Buffalo’s front office keeps swinging for upside. With the team chasing playoff position, every roster spot counts—and Funk’s arrival signals another bet on upside over proven NHL production.