Buffalo Sabres
2026-06-20
The Buffalo Sabres are coming off a terrific season, but GM Jarmo Kekalainen has a clear challenge ahead of him this summer, and one of the key trade chips he has is veteran defenseman Bowen Byram. Buffalo Sabres' Byram has been a good soldier, but trading him now would be the perfect time for Kekalainen to convert an asset from a place of strength into a better-balanced roster. If star right winger Alex Tuch departs in free agency, Buffalo will need veteran contributors up front, and a Byram trade could fill a hole that opens up in the Sabres' lineup. The Sabres have already started tweaking their defense corps, trading blueliner Michael Kesselring to the San Jose Sharks to move up in the first round. Byram is under contract for the 2026-27 season at a $6.25 million salary, and after that, he's a UFA who will command a hefty raise. TSN's Darren Dreger reported multiple teams are interested in Byram's services, including the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, and Vancouver Canucks. Byram tied or set career highs in goals and points this season, and acquiring him would be a huge win for the team that lands him. And at 25 years old, Byram's best days may still be ahead. 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. The Sabres can still move Byram and hang on to stars Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, as well as Mattias Samuelsson and Conor Timmins, which would leave them with an above-average defense corps. But the clock is ticking, and Kekalainen needs to make a decision soon. Byram's contract situation and the team's competitive cycle make this the perfect time for a trade. The Sabres are at a point where they really can't afford to take a backward step, and trading Byram could be the key to a successful season.