Why Now's The Time For Buffalo Sabres To Trade Bowen Byram
The Buffalo Sabres are coming off a terrific season, but as we all should know by now, even the better NHL teams have difficulty replicating success from year to year.
Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen has a clear and considerable challenge ahead of him this summer – and one of the key trade chips he has is veteran defenseman Bowen Byram.
While Byram has been a good soldier for the Sabres, trading him now would be the perfect time for Kekalainen to convert an asset from a place of strength into a better-balanced roster in anticipation of a long-term Stanley Cup playoff push next season and beyond.
NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On Bowen Byram And Matthew Knies; Update On The Canucks
Bowen Byram's need for a larger role could force the Buffalo Sabres to trade him, an update on Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matthew Knies, and a look at four potential trade candidates for the Vancouver Canucks.
Byram is under contract for the 2026-27 season at a $6.25 million salary. After that, he's a UFA who will command a hefty raise. Unless the Sabres can convince Byram to stay with some concessions, whether that's a bit of a discount or keeping him on the second defense pair, the end of Byram's days in Buffalo isn't far off.
Maybe the Philadelphia Flyers step up with a trade package the Sabres can't say 'no' to. Maybe the St. Louis Blues do so as they seek the foundation for a new generation. Or maybe the Vancouver Canucks surprise us with a play for Byram, a B.C. native who may want nothing more than to play at home.
Those teams would need to step up with a huge trade for Byram. At a time when good defensemen are hard to come by, acquiring Byram – who tied or set career highs in goals (11) and points (42) this season – would be a huge win for the team that lands him.
Byram is still only 25, so his best days may still be ahead. And Buffalo is at a point in its competitive cycle where it really can't afford to take a backward step.
So while it would sting to lose an above-average D-man like Byram, if trading him means the Sabres will be stronger next season, that's something Kekalainen absolutely has to do.
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 2:38 PM.