Kings Send Mikko Makela to Sabres for Minor Leaguer

The Kings dealt left wing Mikko Makela to the Buffalo Sabres for minor league left wing Mike Donnelly.

The deal was concluded Sunday, hours before NHL rosters were frozen for today’s waiver draft.

Donnelly, 26, spent most of last season with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, and he had been expected to start this season in Rochester as well.

Sabres General Manager Gerry Meehan said Donnelly had requested a trade.

Makela, 25, scored 36 goals for the New York Islanders in the 1987-88 season. Last season, he scored two goals in 20 games with the Islanders before being dealt to Los Angeles on Nov. 29. He scored seven goals in 45 games with the Kings.

“He hasn’t done much in the last couple of seasons, but I think his skill level is so high it’s worth trying to get back on track,” Meehan said.

Buffalo also sent Shawn Anderson to the Capitals for Bill Houlder in an exchange of defensemen.

The Kings shocked the defending Stanley Cup champion Calgary Flames in the first round of the playoffs last season but were swept by the eventual champion Edmonton Oilers.