Defenseman Bowen Byram and the Buffalo Sabres reached an agreement on a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension on Monday, avoiding salary arbitration. This Bowen Byram Sabres contract extension carries an average annual value of $6.25 million and will keep him with the team through the 2026-27 season.
Despite the new deal, speculation about Byram’s future continues, with rumors suggesting the Sabres might trade the defenseman to obtain a top-tier forward. Teams like the St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings have been mentioned as potential trade partners. However, according to reports, the New York Rangers have not been heavily involved in these discussions.
Buffalo Sabres’ Long-Term Plan and Trade Possibilities
Bowen Byram, 24, was originally selected fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL Draft. After being traded to the Sabres in the 2023-24 season, he has now completed two seasons with Buffalo. In the most recent season, Byram contributed 38 points across 82 games, scoring seven goals and assisting on 31 others. The Sabres appear committed to keeping him for the near future, but his $6.25 million cap hit makes him a valuable trade asset if the team chooses to strengthen its forward lineup.
While trade rumors swirl, some insiders believe the Sabres are focused on contending this season and thus reluctant to part with key players like Byram unless an attractive deal arises.
New York Rangers’ Position on Bowen Byram and Cap Challenges
In an analysis for The Athletic, columnist Peter Baugh addressed rumors linking the Rangers to Byram. He noted that the Rangers have not been principal contenders for the defenseman:
“The Rangers have never seemed like one of the major players in the Byram sweepstakes, and at this point, it’s hard to see a fit. Byram extended in Buffalo for two years at $6.25 million, so New York would have to shed significant cap space to make room for him. The Rangers would also have to give up win-now pieces for the Sabres to consider a deal. All accounts are that Buffalo is trying to contend this season.” —Peter Baugh, Columnist
This statement underscores the cap space and asset considerations that hinder the Rangers from pursuing Byram aggressively. With the Sabres’ ambition to compete in the current season, a trade involving Byram seems unlikely unless the right circumstances emerge.
Insights on the Rangers’ Roster and Mika Zibanejad’s Role
Peter Baugh also discussed the potential lineup shifts for the Rangers as the trade deadline approaches, focusing on veteran Mika Zibanejad’s place on the team. Baugh considered whether Zibanejad would be better suited as the first-line right winger or in a second-line center position, emphasizing the complexities of forming a strong top six.
“The Rangers’ best-case scenario would be Pärssinen or someone else stepping up at 3C and Zibanejad playing effectively on J.T. Miller’s wing, but it’s too early to project if that’s feasible.” —Peter Baugh, Columnist
“If Zibanejad is on the wing, I have a hard time seeing any of the 3C options stepping up enough to make that line potent, but Sullivan might also have to sacrifice there to keep a strong top-six together. It could also be an area to address at the deadline, but that’s only if the Rangers are playoff contenders.” —Peter Baugh, Columnist
Zibanejad experienced a challenging 2024-25 campaign, playing all 82 games but posting 20 goals and 42 assists, totaling 62 points—significantly lower than his 91 points just two seasons earlier. This downturn reflects the team’s uncertainties as the trade deadline nears.
What Lies Ahead for Bowen Byram and the Sabres
The signing of Bowen Byram to a two-year, $12.5 million contract signals Buffalo’s intent to maintain defensive stability while exploring opportunities to strengthen other positions through trades. Whether Byram remains with the Sabres for the full duration or becomes part of a deal to acquire offensive talent will be pivotal for the team’s playoff hopes.
With the Rangers unlikely to clear sufficient cap space or part with valuable assets, Byram’s future in Buffalo appears secure for now. The coming months will reveal whether Buffalo’s strategy leads to a stronger playoff push or if trade negotiations gain traction before the deadline.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many concussions has Bowen Byram had?
A. At the beginning of his NHL career, Byram experienced three significant concussions in two years. These injuries limited him to playing only 19 and 30 games in his first two seasons. Since then, he has fully recovered and played 82 games with the Sabres last season. However, his concussion history remains a concern.
Q. How much does Bowen Byram make?
A. Evaluating Bowen Byram’s $12.5 million contract extension with the Sabres, which ClutchPoints first discussed. The Buffalo Sabres haven’t made the playoffs for 14 seasons.
Q. What is Bowen Byram’s cap hit?
A. The Buffalo Sabres agreed to a deal with defenceman Bowen Byram, a restricted free agent, on Monday. The contract is for two years and totals $12.5 million, with an annual salary cap hit of $6.25 million. Last season, Byram, who is 24 years old, scored seven goals and accumulated 31 points over 82 games, playing an average of 22 minutes and 42 seconds per game with the Sabres.