NHL Insider Reports ‘Strong Whispers’ on Offer Sheet for Sabres’ Bowen Byram

“The Byram situation in particular is kind of interesting,” Johnston said. “There are certainly whispers out there, strong whispers I'd say, of an offer sheet for Bowen Byram.”

While no offer sheet has been signed yet by Byram, Johnston suggested that the defenseman could receive a deal in the $7 million range, thus putting the pressure on Buffalo's front office.

“If he ends up signing an offer sheet,” Johnston said, “that’s basically somewhere on that $7 million mark where he’s likely to land.”

The Sabres have $13.6 million available in cap space with only 21 of 23 players on their active roster.

Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams addressed the situation on Wednesday, making it clear where the organization stands.

“We’ll be matching and have the opportunity to have a player under contract who we think helps our team win,” Adams said.

Adams added that the Sabres are open to trade offers for Byram as long as the compensation is good enough.

"I've maintained the same position that if there's a deal out there that makes sense for us that we think is going to improve our roster, we're open to it," Adams said. "If there's not, we're not in a situation where we're looking to move him out or looking to move him out for futures and stuff like that. 

"For me, we want to help our team win hockey games, and he does that."