July 3, 2025 | 12:17pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

BYRAM TRADE TALKS CONTINUE AMID OFFER SHEET CHATTER

Bowen Byram, defenceman

Trade speculation surrounding Buffalo defenceman Bowen Byram continues, as Sabres GM Kevyn Adams continues to evaluate the trade market and engaged in negotiations with other clubs.

Byram, 24, saw his two-year, $7.7 million contract expire and is now a restricted free agent.

Given Byram’s status, rumours started to swirl this week over the potential of him signing an offer sheet with another club, something Adams told reporters he has prepared for.

“That’s why the moves we’ve made and the position that we’ve put ourselves in from the cap perspective have been strategic,” he said Wednesday. “If you leave just enough room in your cap where you maybe see a projection on a one-year deal and then someone comes over the top, you’re potentially putting your organization in a really tough spot.

“So, the moves we’ve made and decisions we’ve made for weeks now leading up to this point are with that in mind. We’ll be matching and have the opportunity to have a player under contract who we think helps our team win.”

Adams also admitted he’s open to the possibility of trading Byram, and while talks with his agent continue, he’s also exploring that avenue.

“I’ve maintained the same position that if there’s a deal out there that make sense for us that we think improves our roster, we’re open to it,” he said. “But if there’s not, we’re not in a situation where we’re looking to move him out or looking to move him for futures and stuff like that. It's just for me, we want to help our team win hockey games and he does that.”

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The Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights and New York Rangers are some of the teams that have expressed interest in Byram, who could command north of $9 million on his next contract over a long-term deal.

With over $13 million in salary cap space, the Sabres are in a financial position to match an offer, but a one-year or two-year deal at an aggressive AAV would give the club something to think about.

If Byram is dealt, the Sabres prefer to move him in a talent-for-talent swap, as opposed to acquiring future assets, such as prospects and draft picks.

In 82 games with the Sabres this past season, Byram registered seven goals and 31 assists for 38 points, and 46 penalty minutes.

Meanwhile, Adams also acknowledged that contract negotiations with Alex Tuch’s camp over an extension have started.

Tuch is in the final year of his contract and is eligible to sign an extension, which could see him earn well over $7 million per season on a long-term deal.