MSB: Capitals Swap Prospects with Sabres, Acquire Tyler Kopff in Exchange for Zac Funk

By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog

The Washington Capitals made another depth move on Monday, continuing what has been an active offseason under general manager Chris Patrick. Washington acquired forward Tyler Kopff from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forward Zac Funk in what is best described as a hockey trade between two organizations swapping young prospects who may benefit from a change of scenery.

This isn’t a move that will grab national headlines, but it could have meaningful implications for the Hershey Bears and South Carolina Stingrays heading into the 2026-27 season. Both players are 23 years old, both have spent most of their professional careers in the AHL and ECHL, and both are still trying to establish themselves as legitimate NHL prospects.

A Fresh Start for Tyler Kopff

Washington is betting on upside.

Kopff brings something the Capitals have prioritized throughout the organization over the last year: size, physicality, and versatility.

At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, the Ridgewood, New Jersey native has the frame NHL teams covet. He plays a north-south game, finishes checks, protects the puck well along the boards, and has shown flashes of offensive ability despite limited professional production.

Last season Kopff split time between:

• AHL Rochester Americans: 30 games, 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points
• ECHL Jacksonville Icemen: 10 games, 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 points

Overall, he owns:

• 36 career AHL games
• 1 goal
• 5 assists
• 6 points

While those offensive numbers won’t jump off the page, Washington likely values the traits that cannot be taught.

Kopff skates well for a player his size, competes hard below the goal line and has the potential to become a dependable bottom-six professional forward.

Strong NCAA Career at Brown

Before turning pro, Kopff developed into one of the Ivy League’s better forwards at Brown University.

Over two seasons he produced:

• 62 NCAA games
• 15 goals
• 31 assists
• 46 points

His sophomore campaign was particularly impressive.

During the 2024-25 season he:

• Led Brown in assists (19)
• Led the Bears in shots (114)
• Finished second on the team in scoring with 28 points
• Earned First Team All-Ivy League
• Earned Third Team All-ECAC honors

Those accomplishments convinced Buffalo to sign him to a two-year entry-level contract in March 2025.

Zac Funk Heads to Buffalo

The player leaving the Capitals organization is one familiar to Hershey Bears fans.

Washington signed Zac Funk as an undrafted free agent in March 2024 after one of the greatest goal-scoring seasons in Canadian junior hockey.

Before turning professional, Funk exploded with the Prince George Cougars (WHL).

His final junior season included:

• 67 goals
• 56 assists
• 123 points

He finished among the WHL’s elite scorers and established himself as one of the top undrafted free agents available.

Unfortunately, that offensive explosion has not yet translated to the professional level.

Since joining Washington’s system he has recorded:

Hershey Bears (AHL)

• 25 games
• 2 goals
• 4 assists
• 6 points

South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL)

• 34 games
• 12 goals
• 16 assists
• 28 points

Funk has shown he can score in the ECHL, but earning consistent opportunities in Hershey proved difficult on one of the deepest AHL rosters in hockey.

Why the Trade Makes Sense

This trade feels like a classic “change of scenery” deal.

For Buffalo:

• They acquire a proven junior goal scorer.
• Funk still possesses offensive upside.
• The Sabres hope a different development environment unlocks his scoring ability.

For Washington:

• They gain a bigger, heavier forward.
• Kopff fits the organization’s growing emphasis on size and responsible two-way play.
• He provides additional organizational depth for Hershey while bringing NHL-caliber physical tools.

Neither player projects as an immediate NHL contributor, but both remain young enough that another year or two of development could significantly change their outlook.

What It Means for Hershey

The Bears have consistently developed NHL-ready depth under Todd Nelson, and Kopff could benefit from that environment.

Washington’s player development staff has turned numerous overlooked prospects into NHL contributors in recent seasons.

If Kopff can improve his offensive confidence while continuing to use his size effectively, he could become an intriguing fourth-line NHL option down the road.

Meanwhile, Buffalo offers Funk an opportunity to reset after spending much of his first professional seasons buried behind Washington’s deep prospect pool.

MSB Take

This isn’t a blockbuster, but these are the types of transactions successful organizations make.

Washington traded from a position of organizational strength at wing to acquire a player whose physical profile better matches the identity Chris Patrick appears to be building. The Capitals have consistently added larger, harder-to-play-against forwards this offseason, and Kopff fits that blueprint.

Funk deserved credit for his professionalism and production with South Carolina, but the path to NHL minutes in Washington appeared increasingly crowded. Buffalo may provide the fresh opportunity he needs.

From Washington’s perspective, the risk is minimal. If Kopff develops into an NHL depth forward, the Capitals will have quietly won another under-the-radar personnel move. If not, they essentially exchanged one organizational prospect for another with a different skill set.

For now, expect Kopff to compete for a regular role with the Hershey Bears in 2026-27 while adding another big body to one of the NHL’s strongest development systems.