Byram Not Playing For Hawks In Sabres Home Opener, Ex-Sabres Update

The Buffalo Sabres held an optional skate on Saturday prior to their home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks at Key Bank Center, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen occupying the home net. The game had a level of anticipation to it going back to the announcement of the schedule during the summer, as it marked the return of defenseman Bowen Byram, who did not want to pursue an extension after July 1.

"Watching him play,  he's being heavily involved in the offense. He was heavily involved here, getting involved offensively. I think what really improved over his time here was his defensive play." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said. "(He) became a  good penalty killer. I think when we first got him, we didn't look at him in that  category, but he became a good killer for us. And he's used in every aspect of their game.  We have to treat him like (one of) the top offensive guys. We know that there's going to be four guys in the rush.  We know that he's going to be joining."

The blueliner was dealt to the Hawks for the fourth overall pick in the 2026 Draft (Daxon Rudolph), a second round pick (flipped to Anaheim for defenseman Olen Zellweger) and Louis Crevier, and signed a six-year, $75 million deal with the Hawks ($12.5 million AAV). Byram did not practice with the Hawks and head coach Jeff Blashill indicated that he would not be playing due to a family matter.   

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Ruff would not indicate any changes to the Sabres lineup, but it is expected to Zellweger will return to the lineup after clearing concussion protocol and practicing on Friday.

In ex-Sabres news, Alex Tuch made a good first impression for his new club. In a 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, the Washington Capitals winger scored twice in the first period. Another former Sabre, forward JJ Peterka scored his second goal of the season for Boston to give the Bruins a 4-3 overtime win in Winnipeg on Friday.   

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