(SAN DIEGO, July 2, 2018) – Ten months ago, the National Lacrosse League awarded an expansion franchise to the city of San Diego. Today, the team has its first player.

The San Diego Seals announced that it has acquired right-handed forward Kyle Buchanan from the New England Black Wolves via trade.

“Buchanan is everything we are looking for in a player for the Seals,” said general manager and head coach Patrick Merrill. “As the captain in New England, I’m excited about the leadership qualities he will bring to our team.”

Buchanan, 30, is a six-year NLL veteran. He’s registered 131 goals, 199 assists and 563 loose balls in 98 career games. He boasted career-bests in goals (31), points (69) and loose balls (131) in the 2017 season. In his last 4 seasons, all with New England, Buchanan averaged 60 points per year.

“Kyle has been a very productive and consistent player in our league for many years,” said Merrill. “He’s a multi-dimensional player, and a dynamic right-handed scorer. He is an offensive player on the floor, and a quality person off the floor.”

The Nepean, Ontario native was the winner of the 2015 NLL Sportsmanship Award. He played all 18 games during the 2015 season without recording a single penalty minute, finishing his second-straight season without a penalty.

The 5-8, 165-pound forward represented Team Scotland at the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships, collecting 14 goals, 14 assists and 31 ground balls during the tournament.

San Diego also receives a 2018 third-round pick from New England. The Seals sent a 2018 second-round pick and a 2021 third-rounder to the Black Wolves.

The San Diego Seals begin play in December at Valley View Casino Center. Secure your season ticket membership today to lock in the best seats at unbeatable prices here!