Cale Makar’s Extension Puts Bowen Byram Contract Into Perspective

The Chicago Blackhawks paid a hefty price for Bowen Byram in both assets and dollars. Kyle Davidson dealt the fourth overall pick and Louis Crevier to the Buffalo Sabres, and on July 1, the first day the Blackhawks were allowed to sign him to an extension, they did. Chicago gave Byram a six-year, $12.5 million AAV (annual average value) contract. 

That deal made Byram the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL heading into the 2027-28 season, and for this upcoming campaign, he has a cap hit of $6.25 million.

On Aug. 28, Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche agreed to a new extension of their own. It’s an eight-year contract (which is one of the last ones we’ll see) that carries a $20.4 million AAV, making him the first player to be paid over $20 million in NHL history. 

When the Blackhawks paid Byram, it was seen as a massive overpay (and still is an ambitious contract), but he was paid under the assumption that he would be the certified No. 1 defenseman. Now, with Makar making eight million dollars more, and with more mega contracts handed out to follow, it does put Byram’s position into better light. 

What the Blackhawks Expect from Byram

One of the things Byram said during his opening press conference is that he’s excited for the opportunity to become the organization’s lead at the defensive position. Throughout his career, during his time with the Colorado Avalanche, he was behind Makar, and with the Sabres, their man is Rasmus Dahlin. He’s never had a chance to be the guy, and now it’s right in front of him. 

The Blackhawks, obviously, expect him to be the core’s leader, and on top of that, be one of the best players on the team. Davidson put a lot of eggs into this basket, and it needs to be a home run, although he’s already come out and said that he’s “their guy” and that he has no doubt that he can reach their desired heights. 

For next season, Byram needs to get accustomed to the Windy City. However, he can’t take long. He is the team’s top defender and will be getting the most minutes he has ever gotten in his time in the NHL. He’ll be on the first defensive pairing, the first power play unit, and will likely receive time on the penalty kill as well. 

Byram tallied 11 goals and 42 points in a fully played 82-game season in 2025-26. In the surprise Sabres playoff run, in a span of 13 games, he had seven points and was a fairly big presence in the Sabres’ defensive end altogether. He’s expected to improve those numbers with his increased role with the Blackhawks. 

How Does the Contract Look Now? 

With this Makar contract, it does make the Byram contract pill a little easier to swallow. Makar has earned every penny, he’s done everything this league has to offer and is the best defenseman in the NHL, Stanley Cup champion (Byram has his name on the Cup from 2022, too), Conn Smythe, Norris Trophy; you name it, he’s done it.