Two Undrafted Prospects Get a Fresh Start After Minor Deal Between Caps and Sabres

Buffalo and Washington swapped spare parts Monday, and it’s exactly the kind of trade that won’t move a single needle in the NHL standings. But for the two young forwards involved, Zac Funk and Tyler Kopff, it might be exactly what their careers needed.

The Sabres sent Kopff to the Capitals in exchange for Funk. Both are 22 and 23 years old, both are undrafted, and both are running out of time to make a real impression. Neither has played an NHL game.

Kopff’s Path to the Pros

Kopff didn’t hear his name called at the draft, but he put up solid numbers at Brown University — 28 points in 32 games as a senior. That earned him a two-year entry-level deal with the Sabres ahead of the 2025-26 season. He split that season between Rochester in the AHL and Jacksonville in the ECHL, which is fine for a depth prospect but doesn’t scream “future NHLer.”

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound forward was originally signed by former Sabres GM Kevyn Adams, who has since been replaced by Jarmo Kekalainen. That front office change may have made Kopff expendable.

Now he’ll join Washington’s system and likely compete for a spot with the Hershey Bears in 2026-27. The Capitals have a track record of developing late-bloomers in Hershey, so this could work out for him.

Funk’s Huge Junior Numbers Haven’t Translated

Funk was a star in the WHL. With the Prince George Cougars in 2023-24, he put up 123 points in 68 games. That’s ridiculous production, the kind that usually gets a guy drafted. But he didn’t get picked, and the professional game has been a much tougher adjustment.

In parts of two seasons with Hershey, he managed just six points in 26 AHL games. The 2025-26 season was particularly rough — only 10 games in the AHL before he got sent down to the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays. He was better there (19 points in 23 games), but that’s the ECHL.

He’s 22, 6-foot-0 and 210 pounds. That’s a solid frame. But he needs to show he can produce against grown men, not just juniors.

What’s Next for Both

Realistically, neither guy is knocking on the door of the NHL. But both are young enough that a change of scenery and a new coaching staff could help. Funk heads to Buffalo’s organization. Kopff goes to Washington’s. Both will likely start next season in the AHL and try to earn another contract next summer.

Sometimes a minor trade like this is just two teams shuffling organizational depth. Other times it’s the jolt a player needs. We’ll see which one this turns out to be.