Could the Sabres look to move on from Bowen Byram this off-season?
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Lyle Richardson took a look at a few 2027 NHL free agents who could get end up getting traded during this off-season. A notable Buffalo Sabres defenseman was among the players discussed, as Bowen Byram made the cut.
"As Byram approaches his playing prime, his production this season could prompt him to seek a multi-year extension worth over $10 million annually. He could price himself out of Buffalo, turning himself into a trade chip that they could use to add depth to their forward lines," Richardson wrote.
The Sabres are able to begin extension talks with Byram on July 1. However, if negotiations between the two sides do not go well, it would be understandable if they at least listened to offers for the 24-year-old defenseman.
Byram is too valuable of a player for the Sabres to potentially lose for nothing during the 2027 NHL off-season. While their top goal should be to sign him to a contract extension, they may have no choice but to deal him if he is not open to a new deal this summer.
If the Sabres were to make Byram available, he would have the potential to get them a significant return in a move. The left-shot defenseman just had a strong season for Buffalo, scoring 11 goals and setting a new career high with 42 points. Furthermore, with Byram being a young top-four defenseman, he would generate plenty of interest if shopped.
It will be interesting to see what happens between the Sabres and Byram this summer.