The Buffalo Sabres may have secured defenseman Bowen Byram with a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension, but the move hasn’t silenced the buzz surrounding his long-term future. Despite the deal, which followed his arbitration filing, insiders suggest Byram could still be trade bait down the road, especially with unrestricted free agency awaiting him in 2026.
Sabres’ short-term commitment comes with long-term questions
While Byram’s average annual value of $6.25 million makes him Buffalo’s third-highest-paid defenseman behind Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, the short-term nature of the contract has raised eyebrows. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos has suggested the Sabres may have missed a key opportunity earlier this summer to trade his negotiation rights for value.
“The Sabres could still end up trading him,” Kypreos said. “But that’s unlikely for the time being since a team won’t pay a hefty price for Byram, given he can walk to unrestricted free agency.”
That potential for Byram to leave in 2026 with no return is a concern. As Kypreos explained, teams are unlikely to give up significant assets now when they could wait for him to hit the open market.
Still, Byram himself appears content with how negotiations played out. “I’m happy it’s done and out of the way, now,” he stated. “I can focus on getting prepared for the season and getting back with the guys and getting on the ice.”
Byram focused on growth, ice time, and a bigger role in Buffalo
Despite the outside chatter, Byram remains committed to maximizing his time in Buffalo. His performance last season—career highs in games played (82), ice time (22:42), points (38), plus-minus (+11), and shot blocks (116)—underscored his growth. He also logged substantial minutes on special teams, averaging 1:49 on the penalty kill and 1:08 on the power play.
“Personally, I’ve been pretty happy with my time in Buffalo,” Byram said. “I’ve got an opportunity to play a bigger role and play more minutes... I think, as a player, I have a lot more to give.”
His pairing with captain Rasmus Dahlin formed one of the NHL’s most efficient defensive duos, outmatching opponents in goals, shot attempts, and scoring chances at 5-on-5. With the Sabres striving to return to playoff contention, that chemistry will be critical.
Byram, who already has a Stanley Cup ring from his 2022 run with Colorado, brings both experience and hunger. For now, he remains focused on elevating his game—and Buffalo’s fortunes—with hopes of chasing another championship before any trade talks re-emerge.
FAQs 1. Why did Bowen Byram sign only a two-year deal with the Sabres?
The Buffalo Sabres have signed restricted free-agent defenseman Bowen Byram to a two-year, $12.5-million contract extension. The short-term deal allows Byram to reach unrestricted free agency in 2026, offering future flexibility.
2. Could Bowen Byram still be traded by the Sabres?
Yes, but according to insiders, a trade is unlikely soon as teams may wait until he's closer to free agency.
Also Read: NHL Trade Twist: Once trade partners, Canucks and Leafs now battling off-ice for prized NHL free agent signing
Sabres’ short-term commitment comes with long-term questions
While Byram’s average annual value of $6.25 million makes him Buffalo’s third-highest-paid defenseman behind Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, the short-term nature of the contract has raised eyebrows. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos has suggested the Sabres may have missed a key opportunity earlier this summer to trade his negotiation rights for value.
“The Sabres could still end up trading him,” Kypreos said. “But that’s unlikely for the time being since a team won’t pay a hefty price for Byram, given he can walk to unrestricted free agency.”
With free agency winding down, the trade market is the best option for teams to add to their roster before training camp. With that in mind, @RealKyper provides his latest trade board. https://t.co/9maD65fud0
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 15, 2025
That potential for Byram to leave in 2026 with no return is a concern. As Kypreos explained, teams are unlikely to give up significant assets now when they could wait for him to hit the open market.
Still, Byram himself appears content with how negotiations played out. “I’m happy it’s done and out of the way, now,” he stated. “I can focus on getting prepared for the season and getting back with the guys and getting on the ice.”
Byram focused on growth, ice time, and a bigger role in Buffalo
Despite the outside chatter, Byram remains committed to maximizing his time in Buffalo. His performance last season—career highs in games played (82), ice time (22:42), points (38), plus-minus (+11), and shot blocks (116)—underscored his growth. He also logged substantial minutes on special teams, averaging 1:49 on the penalty kill and 1:08 on the power play.
“Personally, I’ve been pretty happy with my time in Buffalo,” Byram said. “I’ve got an opportunity to play a bigger role and play more minutes... I think, as a player, I have a lot more to give.”
His pairing with captain Rasmus Dahlin formed one of the NHL’s most efficient defensive duos, outmatching opponents in goals, shot attempts, and scoring chances at 5-on-5. With the Sabres striving to return to playoff contention, that chemistry will be critical.
Byram, who already has a Stanley Cup ring from his 2022 run with Colorado, brings both experience and hunger. For now, he remains focused on elevating his game—and Buffalo’s fortunes—with hopes of chasing another championship before any trade talks re-emerge.
FAQs 1. Why did Bowen Byram sign only a two-year deal with the Sabres?
The Buffalo Sabres have signed restricted free-agent defenseman Bowen Byram to a two-year, $12.5-million contract extension. The short-term deal allows Byram to reach unrestricted free agency in 2026, offering future flexibility.
2. Could Bowen Byram still be traded by the Sabres?
Yes, but according to insiders, a trade is unlikely soon as teams may wait until he's closer to free agency.
Also Read: NHL Trade Twist: Once trade partners, Canucks and Leafs now battling off-ice for prized NHL free agent signing
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