Red Wings Trade Targets: Bowen Byram
Bowen Byram (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)A new day, a new target.
The Detroit Red Wings have ample cap space to make a move before the trade deadline. Because of this, fans are foaming at the mouth at all of the possibilities that lie before them.
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In this trade target series, we examined Brock Nelson yesterday. Today, we will shift our focus to defense and examine how well Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres would fit.
Bowen Byram
Trade Board Ranking: 7 (The Athletic), 4 (Daily Faceoff), 9 (The Fourth Period)
Contract: $3.85 million (Expiring contract, RFA)
Position: Defense
Age: 23 years old
Shoots: Left
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 205 lbs
Stat Line: 56 GP, 7 G, 22 A, 29 PTS, 23:10 TOI, 68 SH, 61 HITS, 81 BLK
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What they are saying:
The Sabres are last in the Eastern Conference with 53 points in 56 games. This is despite a 7-3-0 record in their last 10 games and a two-game winning streak.
The Sabres' blueline is crowded, with eight defenders currently signed to NHL deals. Mattias Samuelsson, Owen Power, and Rasmus Dahlin are all locked in long term. This could make Byram available to the proper suitor.
What does he bring to the table?
Byram is a fantastic skater who isn't even in the prime of his career yet. He can play a lot of minutes in many different situations. This season, he averages 1:15 on the powerplay and 1:57 on the penalty kill per game. His two-way play would be a great addition to any team.
He has spent 70 percent of his ice time with either Power or Dahlin. His ability to play the right side as a left-handed player makes him very versatile, which coaches certainly value.
Is he a fit with the Red Wings?
Absolutely, yes. He is at the perfect age to acquire and could be a mainstay for years to come. His acquisition could allow the Red Wings to take their time with other defense prospects to better develop their potential.
His easily digestible cap hit and abilities on the ice make him a perfect candidate to be a long-term blueline solution for the Red Wings. However, my only reservation with a Byram acquisition would be his injury history. He has had concussions multiple times in his very young career. In my opinion, that is the only reason to second-guess a Byram deal for the Red Wings.
Do you think Byram would be a good fit for the Red Wings? Let us know by commenting on the story and/or voting in the poll. We would love to hear from you!
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