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Gorges traded to Buffalo after rejecting Leafs

Montreal Canadiens v New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 30: Josh Gorges #26 of the Montreal Canadiens looks on against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

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Josh Gorges didn’t want to go to Toronto, but he’s willing to join the NHL’s worst team from a year ago.

That was the story out of Buffalo on Tuesday, as the Sabres announced they acquired Gorges from Montreal in exchange for a 2nd-round pick at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

The move marks the end of an ugly 24-hour saga involving Gorges, the Habs, the Leafs and, at the last moment, the Sabres. Gorges’ name surfaced yesterday when reports revealed he’d been dangled by Montreal in a proposed move to Toronto, only for Gorges to reject the move as part of his no-trade clause.

Deeply disappointed” by what transpired, Gorges -- signed through 2017-18 for a cap hit of $3.9 million -- said he “never wanted to leave Montreal,” adding “in no way has this been my decision.”

With the move, Buffalo gets a heart-and-soul leader type on defense (Gorges served as an alternate captain in Montreal) that brings it closer to the salary cap floor.