Sabres’ Bowen Byram Generating Trade Interest

For the past few years, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram has been the target of trade rumors, and that is not expected to change this offseason. Multiple teams have contacted the Sabres about Byram’s availability, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.

In his report, Dreger indicated that many teams believe Byram will be available, given that he’ll become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Additionally, his agent, Darren Ferris, has a history of pushing his clients toward unrestricted free agency, which could have negative implications for Buffalo.

Furthermore, for the first time in a while, the Sabres are entering a cap crunch this offseason. Heading into the summer months, Buffalo has approximately $12MM to use, with new contracts needed for Alex Tuch and Zach Benson, which are expected to exceed what the Sabres can offer. If nothing changes over the next few weeks, it’s unlikely that Buffalo will have the ability to retain Tuch, even if they’d like to.

By trading Byram and his $6.5MM salary, this would open up much more breathing room for Buffalo. Unlike Tuch and Benson, there’s no indication that the Sabres have any interest in keeping Byram around long-term, so it definitely beats losing him next summer for nothing in return.

It’s no surprise that multiple teams are interested in acquiring him, either. Byram has blossomed into a legitimate top-four defenseman in Buffalo ever since being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche near the 2023-24 trade deadline.

Throughout the past two years, Byram has registered 18 goals and 80 points in 164 games with a +26 rating, averaging 22:31 of ice time per game. Additionally, he’s shown flashes of his strong two-way game by blocking 209 shots and throwing 125 hits, while also managing a respectable 49.1% CorsiFor at even strength. Despite having limited postseason experience with the Sabres, he performed well against the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens, scoring four goals and seven points in 13 games.

There are a lot of different directions the Sabres could go, too. Especially if he’s willing to consider an extension with the acquiring team, Buffalo could dangle Byram to the New York Rangers as a part of a package for Vincent Trocheck, or see if the San Jose Sharks are willing to part with William Eklund, who may not have a long-term home in the Sharks’ top-six as more prospects crack the NHL roster.

Regardless, it’s important to note that Dreger didn’t say that Buffalo is actively shopping Byram, but that other teams were calling them. Even if he did leave for greener pastures next summer, the Sabres may be willing to bite the bullet on that chance if they aren’t able to improve another area of their roster through a Byram trade.