Bowen Byram Signs Extension with the Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have secured restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram with a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension. This agreement has an average annual value of $6.25 million against the salary cap. Byram, 24, is coming off his most productive season in the NHL, with 38 points (7 goals, 31 assists) in 82 games and a +11 rating. He averaged 22:42 minutes of ice time per game. Selected fourth overall in the 2019 NHL draft by Colorado, Byram has 110 points (33 goals, 77 assists) in 246 career games with the Avalanche and Sabres. Byram had arbitration rights, but chose not to use them. Instead, the Sabres decided this month to take Byram to salary arbitration, which prevented the defenseman from signing an offer from another team. Byram was expected to elect to receive a two-year contract in arbitration, which would lead him to unrestricted free agency in 2027. Instead of going through a hearing, both sides agreed to a new contract that gives Byram the third-highest AAV among Sabres defensemen, behind Rasmus Dahlin ($11 million) and Owen Power ($8.35 million). There has been speculation throughout the offseason about Byram’s future with the Sabres, including the possibility of a team offering him an offer before Buffalo opted for arbitration. General Manager Kevyn Adams said earlier this month that the Sabres would have matched any offer, but admitted that Buffalo will consider trade offers for the defenseman.An offer would have only brought draft selections as compensation for the Sabres. Adams said he wasn’t looking to send Byram for future assets, but for players who would help the Sabres now.
The Sabres are looking to end an NHL record postseason drought, as they last qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2011.“We believe Bo is an excellent hockey player who can help our team win,” Adams said. “If there’s a deal that makes sense for us, that we believe is going to improve our roster, we’re open to it. If there isn’t, we’re not in a situation where we’re looking to move him or trade him for futures.”
Kevyn Adams
