The Buffalo Sabres have thought-about buying and selling Bowen Byram for practically a 12 months at this level. Byram is a restricted free agent, which implies he wants a brand new contract. Although the Sabres have prevented the potential of a suggestion sheet, the younger defenseman’s long-term future might not be in Buffalo. Nevertheless, his short-term future is one other matter.
The Sabres and Byram are reportedly closing in on a brand new contract, in accordance with The Athletic’s Rick Dhaliwal. Buffalo had beforehand filed for wage arbitration with the younger defenseman. This contract will keep away from arbitration and preserve Byram round.
The deal works out reasonably properly for Byram. This contract is a two-year deal, in accordance with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. This contract carries a cap hit of $6.25 million. The 2-year time period is helpful for the Sabres defenseman, as Byram is slated to hit unrestricted free company as soon as the deal expires.
May Sabres nonetheless commerce Bowen Byram?
Byram is among the extra in demand defensemen on the commerce market. He’s comparatively younger at 25 years outdated. And he already has a Stanley Cup ring below his belt. In truth, he was fairly dominant in that Stanley Cup Last for the Colorado Avalanche towards the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Consequently, the Sabres may nonetheless resolve to commerce Byram earlier than the season begins. They’ve a logjam on the left facet of their protection as it’s. This contract walks Byram proper to unrestricted free company, the place he would possible be extremely wanted, as properly. Buffalo may get a very good haul of belongings in the event that they made him out there on the commerce market.
After all, there may be cause to maintain Byram, as properly. He is an effective defenseman who may nonetheless get higher. And whereas a commerce stays potential, there may be nothing that necessitates a deal this summer time. Regardless of the Sabres resolve to do, it is an intriguing transfer for Buffalo to signal Byram and keep away from arbitration.