Former Leafs defensemen signs with Atlantic Division rival

The Toronto Maple Leafs said farewell to two Ilya's today in Ilya Mikheyev and Ilya Lyubushkin. TSN Insider Bob McKenzie reported that the Buffalo Sabres signed Ilya Lyubushkin to a two-year deal, $2.75 million AAV.

Lyubushkin spent time with the Arizona Coyotes and the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. He was traded to Toronto after Nick Ritiche after he requested a trade from Arizona.

Known as the Russian Bear, Lyubushkin and has played for four years in the NHL. This season he put up 15 points in 77 games and will bring a much needed physical element to a young Buffalo Sabres team.

There was originally some hope that Lyubushkin might consider returning to Toronto this summer after becoming a bit of a fan favourite for the brand of hockey that he plays. Well, he remains in the Atlantic Division, but unfortunately, it's with a division rival.

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