Bowen Byram has officially secured his future with the Buffalo Sabres by signing a two-year contract extension, significantly reducing speculation about a potential trade. The deal was confirmed in the offseason and highlights the team‘s commitment to the 25-year-old defenseman as they prepare for the 2025-26 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL campaign.
Byram completed a productive 2024-25 season, marking his first full year with the Sabres by scoring seven goals and tallying a career-high 38 points. He was a key component of a promising defensive unit alongside Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, forming a strong left-side defensive trio for Buffalo. Despite this, Byram’s contract status was a significant factor fueling trade rumors since he was the only player among the three without a binding agreement entering the summer. Although the new contract provides security for the next two seasons, Byram remains the only member of the trio without a long-term deal.
Addressing the swirling trade talk, Byram made his stance clear during media interactions, emphasizing his satisfaction with his role in Buffalo and his eagerness to move beyond contract negotiations.
Personally, I’ve been pretty happy with my time in Buffalo,
Byram shared, via Sabres reporter Justin Alpert.
I think I’ve mentioned it before that I’ve got an opportunity to play a bigger role and play more minutes, whether it’s the offensive side, power play, penalty kill. So, I’m happy with that.
Just [trying] to continue to grow no matter who I’m playing with or what kind of situations I’m put into. I think, as a player, I have a lot more to give, and I’m looking forward to having that opportunity to do so.
Byram Highlights Strong Partnership with Rasmus Dahlin
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Bowen Byram is expected to spend significant ice time alongside Rasmus Dahlin, creating one of the NHL’s most formidable defensive pairings. Byram spoke highly of Dahlin’s talents and described his approach when playing alongside the star defenseman.
Ras is one of the best defensemen in the world,
Byram said, referring to Dahlin, via Justin Alpert.
… When I’m playing with him, I just try to take care of the defensive side of the puck, make sure that I’m hanging back and giving him the freedom to get up ice and join the play and do his thing.
Byram also touched on their on-ice chemistry, highlighting the balance and shared understanding they bring to the defensive role without diminishing his individual contribution.
I think we play quite well together. We balance each other out quite well. We both think the game in a similar way and are able to move the puck up the ice together, get the puck in our forwards’ hands. So, I really enjoy playing with him,
Byram explained.
Key Offseason Additions Strengthen Sabres’ Defensive Core
Beyond his contract situation, Byram addressed broader team developments this offseason, emphasizing the importance of recent roster moves. The Sabres traded winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth prior to the NHL Draft in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. Byram singled out Kesselring as a vital acquisition, especially for his right-handed shot, which the Sabres had been lacking among their defensemen.
The addition of Kesselring, that’ll really help us out, because we were kind of missing a big right-handed shot,
Byram commented.
We’ve had a lot of lefty-lefty pairs over the years, and I think we’ve done a good job with it, but having a couple more right-handed shots mixed in definitely simplifies things for us and makes it a little more easy. So, I think we’re all really excited about that acquisition.
… Our D corps is really starting to come together, and I think it’s gonna be a strength of our team moving forward here.
The Sabres are optimistic these roster changes, combined with the retention of Byram, will elevate their chances of reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026. Buffalo’s season opener is scheduled for October 9th against the New York Rangers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many concussions has Bowen Byram had?
A. Every morning that Bowen Byram wakes up and doesn’t have a headache feels like a blessing to him. At 22, he’s experienced at least three concussions.
Q. What is Bowen Byram’s rating?
A. In NHL 25, Bowen Byram has a total rating of 87.