If you want drama, and you’re a fan of hockey, we at Last Word On Hockey have your summertime fix. Today’s NHL Rumours brings all the goods from a busy summer signing season. Our topic here is the Buffalo Sabres defenceman Bowen Byram, and there certainly is some drama.
Buffalo elected salary arbitration with Bowen Byram
Utah with Jack McBain
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 6, 2025
NHL Rumours: What’s Happening With Sabres D-Man Bowen Byram
Rumour: The rumour-mill intersects with the news desk here, as the defenceman is headed to salary arbitration.
Analysis: Since the Sabres and Byram couldn’t come together on a deal, they will let arbitrators decide. However, what has the process done to the relationship between Byram and the Sabres?
The interesting thing about these rumours, is that they come from all angles. First of all, we must summarize what has been happening, and where we are right now. As free agency approached, it was becoming more and more clear that Byram’s contract extension was not a slam dunk.
It does seem, for whatever reason, that Byram is unhappy with his situation in Buffalo. Perhaps a big money contract could’ve changed that feeling, but so far, that hasn’t materialized. It seems Adams and company find it difficult playing another defender big money.
However, at some level, it is true that general manager Kevyn Adams was doing his best to dig his feet in the sand. Whatever happens, he wants his Sabres to be better off for it. At this point, Byram and the Sabres are going to salary arbitration. Byram can sign either a one-or-two-year deal. If he signs a two-year deal, the young defenceman will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the deal. So, just what does it all mean in Western New York?
The dilemma for a player like Byram was laid out by Adams describing his organization strategy. “So, the moves we’ve made, starting with the Peterka trade right through yesterday, have been with that in mind. I want to have skill players, but I want to have harder players.”
Finding the Fit for Byram and Buffalo
The Sabres have been doing lots of tinkering. Moving out Dylan Cozens and JJ Peterka over the past few months were massive decisions. However, adding the likes of Joshua Norris and Michael Kesselring had their own advantages. For Norris, it was a second chance. He also brings an element skill, that if he has the right pieces surrounding him, the skill can shine through. Moreover, Kesselring is a big, mobile right-shot defenceman. You know, the very guy so many teams have as a top priority.
That is exactly the bigger picture in Buffalo. Byram is an interesting fit, that even though he is a left shot, he has played very well, and often, on the right side. This past season he skated over 625 minutes along Rasmus Dahlin, with an xGoals% of 53.1. Even back to 2023-24 with the Colorado Avalanche, he was on the left side partnered with Samuel Girard. They had a 55.9 xGoals% in over 230 minutes.
What we are saying is that the Sabres are very heavy on the left side. Besides Dahlin, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson also patrol their blueline. For Byram, it is just a bit of precarious position. Also, regarding Adams’ comments on skill versus being hard to play against.
Byram has had injury problems in the past, but definitely checks the skilled box. Having Power and Dahlin, might provide the protection he desires, it is an interesting scenario. In any sense, a top four of Dahlin, Power, Kesselring, and Byram could be a problem for Atlantic Division foes.
If a trade ends up as the only answer, enter the Calgary Flames. Perhaps this is exactly the flip that Rasmus Andersson would want. Buffalo is close to contention given their undeniable talent. They just need reliable veterans to help bump them over the hump. Andersson is a defensive guy, that could just fit right with the likes of Power and Dahlin.
As for Byram, Calgary would be a homecoming of sorts. Furthermore, he is still young, so could see through the rebuild, led by young star Dustin Wolf minding-the-net. In life, like hockey, there’s never any easy answers, but maybe we are finding one here.
Report: Buffalo Sabres, Perhaps Unsuprisingly, Agree to Trade Speedy and Skilled RFA Winger to Utah
Darren Dreger: I still feel like if Calgary can make the Bo Byram deal somehow some way…just make a deal for Andersson with Vegas and move on – Barn Burner
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 3, 2025
Main Photo Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
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