Canucks Dealt Reality Check on Sabres' Bowen Byram Speculation

Trade speculation connecting Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram to the Vancouver Canucks emerged before the player was sent to arbitration as a restricted free agent.

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, however, the rumors about a possible trade to the Canadian franchise has been overstated.

Pagnotta acknowledged Vancouver's interest in the player early last season, but dismissed the notion of a potential trade this offseason during an appearance on the "Sekeres & Price" podcast on Tuesday.

“So, with the Canucks, I think it was real more so in the season than it was this past June,” Pagnotta said. “But honestly, for me, it would probably be something coming out of left field once all is said and done if something does happen with the Canucks.”

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By taking Byram to arbitration, the Sabres blocked possible offer sheets for their player but handed him control over the length of his next contract, whether that's for one or two seasons.

If Byram chooses the one-year deal, he will be a restricted free agent once again next season. If he chooses the two-year contract, however, he will enter unrestricted free agency in July 2026.

“(The arbitration) eliminates the offer sheet threat,” Pagnotta said. “But it doesn’t eliminate the fact that they may still end up moving him at some point once they figure out the contract and all that stuff. So he’s still available.”