It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re getting ready for the conference finals, but there’s plenty of talk about teams that didn’t make the post-season. The clubs that didn’t make the Stanley Cup Playoffs are looking to shake things up. Some have already made coaching changes. However, we could also see some players being moved in the off-season. One team that’s trying to turn things around is the Buffalo Sabres. This edition of NHL rumours deals with the future of a restricted free agent defenceman.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Future of Buffalo Sabres RFA Defenceman
Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period talked about the Sabres trying to change their luck. The name of defenceman Bowen Byram has once again come up in speculation.
Analysis: The Sabres continue the longest Stanley Cup Playoff drought at 14 seasons. There’s plenty of pressure on general manager Kevyn Adams to end this nightmare. Pagnotta mentioned that support for Adams could be coming. Nick Alberga said that former New York Islanders General Manager Lou Lamoriello has connected with the team. One wonders if he’ll come in as an advisor to Adams.
However, there needs to be decisions about players on the ice. Buffalo may need to make some drastic changes in order to get it moving up the standings. We saw Adams make some big moves in dealing Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators.
It’s possible that we could see players like Byram the subject of trade talks as we move closer to the draft. The 23-year-old could fetch a decent return if Adams or whoever is running the show in the front office wants to make a move. Buffalo’s main goal is competing for a post-season spot, so they have to keep that in mind.
What It Means
Byram is arbitration eligible and one wonders what both sides will come up with for numbers. The left-handed shot was making $3.85 million in the 2024-25 season and it’s likely that he’ll look for some sort of raise with his next deal.
Pagnotta mentions that the talks regarding the Cranbrook, British Columbia native could extend into July. However, the insider does expect trade talks to restart against regarding Byram.
Last season saw him notch career-highs in assists with 31 and points with 38. He’s shown flashes of the potential that saw him drafted fourth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. However, left-shooting blueliners with plenty of upside are valuable assets. Adams could spin that into supplementing the forward or goaltending ranks.
The pressure is on the Sabres to finally get moving in the right direction. Rebuilds with the Montreal Canadiens and the Senators saw them finally reach the playoffs. The Detroit Red Wings are on the cusp while the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are consistently in the mix for the Atlantic Division title.
Seeing Lamoriello possibly coming in to help Adams muddies the waters. It will be an interesting off-season in Western New York.
Main photo by: James Guillory-Imagn Images
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