The Chicago Blackhawks feel that they have the right pieces in place in their forward group, along with Spencer Knight in goal, but their defense leaves something to be desired. Chicago’s blueline is a young group that is still coming into its own, but some veteran experience could be an asset. Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram is only 25, but he’ll be entering his seventh season and already has a Stanley Cup ring. However, his seventh season may not come in a Sabres jersey.
Byram has been a constant name in trade talks, despite being a valuable member of Buffalo’s blueline. With the salary cap being a bit of a concern and a potential lucrative contract extension coming his way, the Sabres look to be finally nearing a trade for the offensive defenseman. With the Blackhawks trying everything last season to kickstart their powerplay, it looks like Byram might be Kyle Davidson’s answer, according to Elliotte Friedman via X, formerly Twitter.
As trade talks intensify between the Blackhawks and Sabres, it leads everyone to wonder what the return might look like. Chicago currently holds the fourth overall pick, which seems like a steep price to pay for Byram, but it could immediately fix the defensive depth his departure leaves behind for Buffalo.
Everyone’s eyes may be on the potential return and who will be the winners and losers, but Buffalo may have their eyes on something else. With Byram’s cap hit off the books and no chance of a lucrative extension, it could be time for Jarmo Kekalainen to circle back and try to keep Alex Tuch on the roster.
The Sabres are hoping not to take a step back next season after breaking their playoff drought, and they might believe that freeing up some cap space with a Byram trade would be the easiest path to upgrading their roster while not losing too much of what made them great in the 2025-26 season.
Next: Blackhawks Open to “Pursuing Players”, Including a Bold Offer Sheet
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