The 27-year-old goalie had not played in the NHL this season before facing the Carolina Hurricanes.
He and goalie Collin Delia were assigned to Rockford of the American Hockey League prior to the season with Marc-Andre Fleury and Kevin Lankinen as the Blackhawks goalies. Chicago received future considerations.
"Obviously mixed emotions, you know," Subban said Friday of being traded. "I was on the bus with the guys going to Grand Rapids, so I said bye to everyone. Just saying bye to everyone in the organization and stuff, and just thanks for having me and giving me the ability to learn and grow as a person and a player. Obviously very excited for the opportunity here. Couldn't wait to get here and get on the ice today. It's a great time, for sure."
Subban was 2-2-1 with a 3.38 goals-against average and an .893 save percentage for Rockford.
"What I saw today, in talking with him this morning, I'm comfortable putting him in the net tomorrow," Sabres coach Don Granato said Friday.
RELATED: [2021-22 NHL Trade Tracker]
The Blackhawks acquired Subban, the younger brother of New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban, in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 24, 2020, part of a three-team trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs that sent goalie Robin Lehner to Vegas.
"Malcolm
, who was the backup Thursday, was sent to Rochester of the AHL.
"He's in a developmental phase of his career where the games in Rochester can, there's a benefit there that might exceed the benefit here right now, today, in a spot to play," Granato said. "That's what it comes down to."
NHL.com independent correspondent Heather Engel contributed to this report
