On February 24, 2019, the Anaheim Ducks sat at a 24-29-9 record, sitting well out of a playoff spot. Just two weeks prior to the trade, Randy Carlyle was fired as head coach, allowing GM Bob Murray to take over for the remainder of the season, in order to closely assess the team and see what moves should be made.
In that 14 day, 6 game span, and a call with Buffalo Sabres, General Manager, Jason Botterill, Murray decided a move should be made revolving around his 24-year-old defenseman Brandon Montour. Montour was sent to Buffalo in exchange for another young defenseman Brendan Guhle along with a 2019 First Round Draft Pick.